In an era where public trust in governance is often strained, and where the energy sector of Pakistan has long been haunted by inefficiency, opacity, and vested interests, one minister is standing apart, redefining what reform looks like. Power Minister Awais Leghari has launched a quiet revolution that could prove transformational for Pakistan’s energy sector: the “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” feature, part of the newly upgraded Power Smart App.
More than just a feature, it represents a fundamental shift in philosophy, from bureaucratic control to public empowerment, from opaque billing to transparent accountability, and from unchecked influence of power elites to citizen-centered governance.
The Problem Pakistan Faced
For decades, the power sector in Pakistan has been riddled with problems: inflated electricity bills due to estimated readings, lack of accountability in meter reading processes, limited consumer engagement, and poor grievance redressal mechanisms. Many consumers have found themselves at the mercy of corrupt practices and inefficiencies that result in unfair bills and financial strain, especially for low- and middle-income households.
At the same time, the system often protected the powerful. Certain industrialists, Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and interest groups operated with impunity, leveraging loopholes, subsidies, or political connections. Consumers, who are the backbone of the economy, were left powerless, quite literally.
Reform with a Resolve
Awais Leghari, taking charge of the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) in one of the most challenging times for Pakistan, has shown a rare blend of boldness, innovation, and a genuine people-first approach.
He has emerged not just as a policymaker, but as a true reformer, unafraid to confront the entrenched interests that have long stifled progress. His recent initiative of empowering consumers with a technological approach towards transparency with, “Apna Meter, Apni Reading,” is a landmark reform that symbolizes this shift.
‘Apna Meter, Apni Reading’: Empowering Every Citizen
Unveiled as part of the revamped Power Smart App, the “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” feature allows electricity consumers to submit their own meter readings directly from their mobile phones. No longer do consumers have to rely on potentially corrupt or careless meter readers. No more estimated bills. No more faceless bureaucracy.
Instead, citizens can now use their smartphone cameras to upload meter readings with time-stamped photos, which will then be used to generate their monthly bills. The feature is already functional across all Distribution Companies (DISCOs), including LESCO, IESCO, FESCO, MEPCO, and GEPCO.
“We are handing control back to the people. This is not just about reading meters; this is about reading the pulse of the nation,” said Awais Leghari during the launch, capturing the spirit behind the reform.
Breaking the Monopoly of Silence
One of the most powerful elements of this initiative is its ability to dismantle the decades-old monopoly of silence in billing practices. By giving users the power to verify, contest, and correct their own usage data, the government has sent a clear message: the age of unquestionable utility billing is over.
This is also part of a broader campaign led by Minister Leghari to confront systemic inefficiencies, even when it means taking on powerful industrial lobbies and IPPs. Under his leadership, the Ministry of Energy is scrutinizing the performance and contracts of large-scale electricity producers, questioning legacy deals that burden consumers with high tariffs and ensuring that public interest is prioritized.
Such moves are politically risky, but deeply necessary to bring real change to electricity consumers in Pakistan. And that’s where Leghari is proving to be different. Unlike many who hesitate to confront power structures, he is turning the spotlight where it’s long been needed.
Technology as a Tool for Equity
The Power Smart App doesn’t just enable self-meter readings. It includes features like complaint registration, consumption tracking, bill payment portals, load management alerts, and more. It is a digital hub designed to enhance transparency and accountability.
But more importantly, this isn’t about technology for technology’s sake. This is about using tech to build equity. In rural areas where complaints used to get buried, or in urban centers where consumers had no recourse against inflated readings, there is now a direct and accessible line to accountability. Consumers’ voices will now be heard. Every complaint will be permanently recorded with DISCOs, the Power Division, and NEPRA for timely action.
This is especially crucial in a country like Pakistan, where digital adoption is increasing, but many public services have yet to catch up. The Power Division under Awais Leghari is now setting a precedent for how governance can leapfrog through smart, citizen-centric innovation.
Moreover, these reforms align well with the broader goals of good governance: reducing corruption, increasing efficiency, and rebuilding public trust.
Challenges Remain—But So Does Momentum
Pakistan’s power sector continues to face deep-rooted challenges, but significant progress is being made. Improvements of losses by Rs. 191 billion compared to the previous fiscal year, the introduction of new boards to make DISCO governance completely apolitical, the renegotiation of contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and the landmark Rs1,275 billion loan agreement with a consortium of 18 banks to address circular debt are all major steps in the right direction.
Reform is not an event; it is a process. And what we are witnessing under Minister Leghari’s stewardship is the start of a serious reform process. One that understands that real change comes not just from megaprojects or flashy announcements, but from incremental, practical, people-first solutions.
The Minister Pakistan Needs
In an age where many ministers are remembered for grandiose promises or high-profile failures, Awais Leghari is distinguishing himself through delivery. His approach combines digital innovation with political bravery. His focus is not on headlines but on households.
In a nation where citizens often feel powerless in the face of rising bills and faceless bureaucracies, “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” is a symbol of empowerment, accountability, and progress.
It’s more than a slogan and at the helm of it all is a minister who seems ready to do what it takes to fix a broken system.
Download the App: Take Control Today
Citizens can download the Power Smart App on Google Play and Apple App Store, and begin submitting their own meter readings from the comfort of their homes.
Play Store: http://bit.ly/4ln7Rog
App Store: https://bit.ly/40wkdm3
