Pakistan has agreed to raise its electricity imports from Iran beyond the current 100 MW threshold, a move that could ease the chronic load‑shedding that has plagued the country for years. The decision follows talks between the two governments in which they also confirmed plans for a second cross‑border transmission line, aimed at boosting the volume of power that can be transferred from Iran’s nuclear‑powered Bushehr plant to Pakistan’s grid.
The existing 100 MW link, which began operation in 2019, has already helped Pakistan meet a portion of its growing demand, but the nation’s power deficit remains stubbornly high. Analysts say that adding a second line and increasing the import capacity will provide a more reliable supply, especially during peak summer months when demand spikes and outages are most frequent.
Both sides underscored the strategic importance of the partnership. Pakistan’s energy minister highlighted how the expanded cooperation would support economic growth by reducing the cost of power shortages for industry and households. Iran’s counterpart stressed that a stronger energy tie‑up would contribute to regional stability, reinforcing the economic interdependence that can deter conflict.
The new line is expected to be completed within the next 18 to 24 months, pending final approvals and construction milestones. Once operational, it will not only increase the import capacity but also improve the resilience of Pakistan’s power grid, allowing for better load management and fewer disruptions.
As Pakistan continues to grapple with a chronic electricity crisis, the deepening energy collaboration with Iran represents a pragmatic step toward meeting domestic demand while fostering broader economic and geopolitical stability in South Asia.