AIIB eyes $100–$150 million investment in Pakistan energy sector

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has expressed interest in investing between $100 million and $150 million in Pakistan's energy sector, Pakistan's Energy Ministry said on Tuesday. The potential investment would target transmission infrastructure, renewable energy and sustainable projects. The interest was discussed at a meeting in Islamabad between Federal Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and an AIIB delegation led by Chief Investment Officer Konstantin Limitovskiy.

What would the AIIB's Pakistan energy investment cover?

The proposed investment would focus on three areas: upgrading the transmission network, expanding renewable energy, and digitally modernizing the electricity system. Both sides reviewed the country's power sector pipeline during the meeting, with Leghari highlighting north-south transmission infrastructure as a key opportunity for investors as the government pursues broader efficiency reforms.

What are Pakistan's current energy sector priorities?

Leghari said Pakistan is implementing a phased plan to install around 10 million Advanced Metering Infrastructure meters nationwide. Nearly 1.5 million meters have already been deployed in the first phase. He added that battery energy storage systems and the expansion of transmission lines remain among the government's top priorities as it works to increase renewable energy's share in the national grid.

What did the AIIB say about expanding its role in Pakistan?

Limitovskiy said the AIIB was "keenly interested" in expanding investments in Pakistan's energy sector and was evaluating financing options across renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure and transmission projects. He said the bank's technical teams would work with Pakistani institutions to advance cooperation on commercially viable projects. The meeting also covered broader ways to strengthen the Pakistan-AIIB energy partnership, according to the official statement.