RIAA Barker Gillette authored the Pakistan chapter of the Chambers Global Practice Guide: Power Generation, Transmission & Distribution 2025. This comprehensive resource offers essential insights into the legal and regulatory framework governing Pakistan’s dynamic electricity industry. Moreover, it serves as an invaluable resource for businesses and investors navigating the complex regulations shaping Pakistan power sector generation, transmission and distribution.
The chapter examines the Pakistan power sector structure and ownership models in detail. Additionally, it analyses the regulatory regime under the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act 1997 (NEPRA Act) and its recent amendments. The changes were aimed at fostering competition through the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM) model. The guide also covers key state-owned entities like WAPDA and NTDC. It also highlights the growing role of independent power producers in Pakistan’s evolving energy landscape.
Furthermore, our analysis covers the licensing requirements for generation, transmission and distribution facilities. The chapter details tariff determination processes, environmental approvals and the comprehensive framework governing power purchase agreements. Recent regulatory developments receive particular attention. Specifically, the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power (Amendment) Act 2018 that introduced new license categories for market operators, system operators and power traders. These laid the foundation for the Pakistan power sector to shift from a single buyer model toward a more competitive, deregulated market structure.
The guide also examines the country’s electricity supply mix and import arrangements while highlighting critical challenges facing the Pakistan power sector. These include circular debt issues, dependence on imported fuels, and aging infrastructure requiring modernisation. Further, we address opportunities in renewable energy development under the Alternative & Renewable Energy Policy 2019 and transmission expansion through private sector participation.
Investment protection mechanisms and foreign investment procedures feature prominently in our analysis. The chapter outlines fiscal incentives, repatriation rights, and sovereign guarantees available to Pakistan power sector investors. Special attention is given to the role of facilitative agencies like PPIB and provincial power development boards. These organisations play a crucial role in supporting project development across the country.
“This comprehensive guide provides crucial insights for navigating Pakistan’s power sector at a transformative time when market liberalisation and renewable energy integration are reshaping the regulatory landscape,” noted Nadir Altaf, Partner at RIAA Barker Gillette.
For expert guidance on Pakistan’s power sector regulations, please access the complete chapter here.
This article is not legal advice; it provides information of general interest about current legal issues.
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RIAA Barker Gillette is Pakistan’s premier law firm, with an on-the-ground presence in three major cities in Pakistan: Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore and affiliated offices in Dubai (DIFC) and London.
The firm practices in all areas of corporate, commercial and dispute resolution law. Leading international legal directories consistently recognise the firm as a top-tier law firm in Pakistan.
RIAA Barker Gillette is the exclusive member firm in Pakistan for Lex Mundi, the world’s leading network of independent law firms with in-depth experience in over 125 countries worldwide.
