Pakistan has taken a big step to tackle loadshedding and improve the power sector by signing an important agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
On Monday, April 20, 2026, the Power Division signed a deal with the IFC, a member of the World Bank Group. Under this agreement, the IFC will serve as a transaction advisor to help roll out smart electricity meters across the country for around 10 million connections.
Smart meters are modern digital devices that record electricity use in real time. They can help improve billing accuracy, reduce electricity theft, and make the whole system more efficient. The government hopes this project will bring transparency and cut down on losses that contribute to frequent power outages.
The initiative will encourage a public-private partnership model. This means both local and foreign investors can take part in installing, operating, and maintaining the new meters. The government has already reduced the cost of smart meters by 40 percent through open and competitive bidding, making the project more affordable.
This move is part of a larger plan to modernise Pakistan’s electricity distribution system. Officials believe that replacing old meters with smart ones will help provide better service to consumers and support long-term energy stability.
The project is expected to start soon and bring positive changes for millions of households and businesses across Pakistan.
