ISLAMABAD: A World Bank Implementation Support Mission will visit Islamabad and Lahore from October 28 to November 1, 2024, to address remaining obstacles in the CASA-1000 electricity Transmission and Trading Project, a $1.2 billion regional initiative connecting Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The mission, led by Senior Energy Specialist Dmytro Glazkov and Pakistan Country Coordinator Ghulam Murtaza Uqaili, will collaborate with Pakistan’s National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) and the CASA project team to resolve outstanding issues and coordinate with project contractors.
Following a funding pause due to the political situation in Afghanistan, the World Bank resumed limited financing of $300 million for the Afghan segment outside Taliban control. Construction progress in Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan is nearing completion, with Pakistan expected to receive electricity from May to September each year. Additionally, the bidirectional transmission system allows Pakistan to export electricity during winter, subject to agreements.
The project, comprising 10 contracts awarded through international bidding, primarily aims to enhance renewable energy integration and reduce Pakistan’s energy costs. With recent payments covering outstanding arrears, Afghan contractors KPTL and KEC have resumed construction activities. A full project completion date is anticipated before 2026.
Story by Mushtaq Ghumman
