Leghari, Ali, Fakhre Alam to receive Civil Awards for key roles in circular debt resolution, power sector reforms

ISLAMABAD : Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari and Advisor to Prime Minister on Privatisation, Muhammad Ali are to be conferred Hilal-i- Imtiaz and Secretary Power Division, Dr. Fakhre Alam Irfan will received Sitara-i Imtiaz for playing their key role in resolution the country’s chronic issues of power sector circular debt and reforms in energy sector.
Civil Awards will be conferred on March 23, 2026 at a ceremony to be held in Awan-i-Sadr.
The Cabinet Division, while citing reference of Power Division’s Office Memorandum(OM) of August 12, 2025, the President of Pakistan has approved civil awards in respect of Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Muhammad Ali and Dr. Fakhre Alam Irfan.
The Cabinet Division has sought following documents in respect and completion of other codal formalities, as per policy by September 10, 2025 ;(i) recommendation form, dully filled in, along with three latest photographs ; and (ii) citation in English and Urdu along with soft copy in MS Word form.
In July 2025, Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif in separate letters had applauded Minister for Power Sardar Awais Leghari and Secretary Power for their outstanding performance in steering the government’s reform agenda in the power sector through a particularly challenging period.
In an appreciation letter to both the top men of Power Division, Prime Minister stated that the reduction of Rs. 780 billion in circular debt, bringing the overall stock down to Rs. 1,614 billion, was indeed a Herculean task made possible through your persistent effort and effective collaboration across institutions.
“The successful renegotiation of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with more than 35 Independent Power Producers (IPPs), including the termination of six contracts, is a historic intervention. These efforts have resulted in savings of approximately Rs. 3.6 trillion for the national exchequer,” says the letters.
Prime Minister further stated that the overall tariff reduction of Rs. 8.35 per unit compared to the previous year has delivered tangible relief to power consumers, not only easing the burden on households but also invigorating industrial demand, with lasting impacts across multiple sectors of the economy.
The introduction of people-centric initiatives such as ‘Apna Meter, Apni Reading’ exemplifies a responsive and modern approach to governance that will help reshape public trust in the power sector.
“I congratulate you and your team on these commendable strides, and I trust that your continued efforts will further strengthen Pakistan’s energy security and economic resilience,” Prime Minister added.
Prime Minister also wrote a letter to Advisor to PM on Privatisation, Muhammad Ali who also played a vital role in resolution of circular debt as Co-Convener of Energy Sector Task Force, which is now about to present a plan to sort gas sector circular debt on the line of power sector.
In a separate letter to Mr.Ali, Prime Minister had extended his sincere appreciation for outstanding contribution to Pakistan’s power sector reforms.
” Your leadership is uncovering over Rs 100 billion in excess payments to IPPs and your successful renegotiation of contracts, resulting in lifetime savings exceeding Rs 3.6 trillion represent a landmark achievement for our energy sector,” PM said in letter.
Mr. Sharif has also appreciated efforts of Muhammad Ali in recovering Rs 35 billion in excess profits and reducing annualized costs by nearly Rs 200 billion which restored fiscal discipline and reinforced the sector’s long-term sustainability.
” Through your professionalism and dedicated efforts, you have set a benchmark of excellence. We deeply value your contribution and look forward to your continued support in delivering affordable and sustainable energy for the people of Pakistan,” said the PM, in his letter to Mr. Ali.
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