The federal government is all set to launch the Prime Minister's Fan Replacement Programme in line with the government's broader economic and energy sector reform agenda.
In this connection, Federal Finance and Revenue Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress on the readiness and forthcoming launch of the Prime Minister's Fan Replacement Programme. During the meeting, stakeholders presented detailed updates on the programme's operational readiness and its expected roll-out schedule.
The participants reviewed the progress shared by National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) on progress regarding completion of key preconditions, including the finalisation of agreements with participating banks, integration of banking systems, and the facilitative role of the Punjab Technology Investment Board and Power Information Technology Company in providing technological solutions for expediting the implementation process. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted the Prime Minister's special emphasis on this initiative, underscoring its significance in promoting energy efficiency, fostering financial inclusion, and contributing to economic stability. He noted that the programme has the potential to influence consumer behaviour positively, reduce energy consumption, and offer broader economic benefits.
The minister appreciated the active participation and collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, particularly the banking sector, in advancing this vital national initiative. He directed that all requisite actions be completed within the next two to three weeks to enable the launch of the programme's first phase, alongwith the initial batch of participating banks, by the end of the month. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of commitment from all participants to ensure timely and seamless execution of the programme, in line with the government's broader economic and energy sector reform agenda. The meeting was attended by the Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, governor State Bank of Pakistan, chairman Pakistan Banks' Association, and senior officials from the Finance Division, Power Division, and other relevant departments.
Meanwhile, Federal Finance and Revenue Senator Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired a meeting of the Steering Committee for the Implementation of the National Tariff Policy at the Finance Division on Monday.
At the outset, the finance minister underscored the significance of sustained tariff reform as a cornerstone of Pakistan's trade policy. He highlighted that the National Tariff Policy represents a five-year roadmap toward liberalizing trade, fostering export-led growth, and enhancing industrial competitiveness. Senator Aurangzeb emphasised that the Steering Committee, constituted by the Prime Minister, has been entrusted with the critical task of continuously monitoring implementation progress, state of forex reserves, and guiding the transition of domestic industry during this period of reform.
During the meeting, the National Tariff Commission (NTC), operating under the Ministry of Commerce, delivered a detailed presentation on its mandate, core functions, and recent performance. The commission outlined its pivotal role in safeguarding domestic industry through rational tariff structuring and trade remedy actions against unfair trade practices, including dumping, subsidised imports, and harmful import surges. Participants were also apprised of the NTC's ongoing efforts to bolster institutional capacity. These include organisational reforms, targeted technical training, automation of internal processes, the proposed establishment of a dedicated facilitation centre for exporters, and initiatives to enhance legal and analytical capabilities to strengthen service delivery.
The finance minister acknowledged the valuable contributions of the NTC and urged the commission to maintain its focus on ensuring a level playing field for local producers. He extended his support for addressing the commission's resource challenges and emphasised the importance of reinforcing Pakistan's anti-dumping framework. However, he advised that rather than expanding in size, the NTC should strive to become a lean, responsive, and fit-for-purpose organisation aligned with international best practices and compliant with the rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The meeting concluded with a shared resolve among participants to continue working in close coordination for the successful implementation of the National Tariff Policy, thereby reinforcing Pakistan's trade competitiveness and industrial development.
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