Sir Syed Express again on Pindi-Karachi track

Pakistan’s energy sector has long grappled with structural inefficiencies, mismanagement, and financial challenges, but the rise in circular debt to Rs 2,897 billion underscores the depth of the crisis. This substantial figure reflects deeper issues not just within the power sector but across Pakistan’s entire economic framework, exacerbating already fragile fiscal conditions.

In this article, we will explore the factors contributing to this massive circular debt, its implications for the economy, and possible solutions to address this crisis.

Understanding Circular Debt

Circular debt in Pakistan’s energy sector refers to the accumulation of unpaid bills within the electricity supply chain. It originates when power distribution companies (DISCOs) fail to recover the full cost of electricity supplied to consumers, either due to inefficient billing, power theft, or government subsidies that are not paid on time. This creates a ripple effect throughout the energy supply chain. When distribution companies cannot pay the power producers, these producers in turn default on their payments to fuel suppliers, further complicating the financial health of the entire energy sector.

The Rs 2,897 billion figure represents the total liabilities owed to energy suppliers and generation companies, primarily due to inefficiencies in electricity generation, distribution, and collection. This issue has grown steadily over the years, threatening the sustainability of Pakistan’s power sector and putting immense pressure on public finances.

Key Drivers of Circular Debt

The rise in Pakistan’s circular debt is the result of multiple interrelated factors, many of which have remained unresolved for decades. Understanding these causes is essential to addressing the problem.

1. Inefficient Power Distribution: Pakistan’s power distribution companies, known as DISCOs, are largely state-run and have long struggled with inefficiency and mismanagement. Power theft, billing inefficiencies, and distribution losses are rampant. According to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), distribution losses range between 17-25%, far higher than the global average of around 5-10%.
2. Power Theft: Theft of electricity, particularly in rural areas, has long plagued Pakistan’s power sector. Illegal connections, tampered meters, and non-payment of bills by influential individuals or groups create significant revenue shortfalls for distribution companies.
3. Subsidies and Tariffs: A major contributing factor is the gap between the cost of power production and the tariffs charged to consumers. Historically, the government has been reluctant to pass on the full cost of electricity generation to consumers, opting instead to provide subsidies. However, these subsidies are often delayed or underfunded, further exacerbating the financial strain on the power sector.
4. Delayed Payments by Government Institutions: Government departments and institutions are among the largest defaulters in terms of electricity bills. Their delayed payments significantly contribute to the cash flow problems faced by the distribution companies.
5. Rising Cost of Fuel: The global increase in fuel prices, particularly for imported fuels like oil and LNG, has driven up the cost of electricity generation. Pakistan is heavily reliant on imported fuel for power generation, making it vulnerable to global price fluctuations. As fuel prices rise, so too does the cost of producing electricity, further widening the gap between generation costs and consumer tariffs.
6. High Capacity Payments: Another critical issue is the high capacity payments made to Independent Power Producers (IPPs). These payments, often denominated in foreign currency, are made irrespective of whether the plants produce electricity, placing a massive burden on the power sector. The problem is compounded by the fact that many of the contracts with IPPs were signed at terms that are now unfavorable for Pakistan, locking the government into costly obligations.

Implications for the Economy

The consequences of Pakistan’s soaring circular debt extend far beyond the power sector, with far-reaching implications for the entire economy.

1. Pressure on Public Finances: As the government struggles to service its growing debt, more public funds are diverted to cover losses in the power sector. This leaves fewer resources available for critical investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social services. The power sector’s inefficiencies become a drain on the entire economy, diverting funds that could have been used to promote sustainable growth.
2. Impact on Businesses and Industry: Frequent power outages, commonly referred to as load shedding, are a direct result of the energy sector’s financial woes. The inability to provide consistent electricity to businesses and industries stifles productivity, increases operating costs, and diminishes Pakistan’s competitiveness in international markets. Unreliable power supply hampers industrial growth, discouraging both domestic and foreign investment.
3. Worsening Fiscal Deficit: The rising circular debt is one of the largest contributors to Pakistan’s burgeoning fiscal deficit. In its attempts to contain the debt, the government has repeatedly resorted to borrowing from international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), further increasing the country’s external debt.
4. Currency Devaluation and Inflation: As Pakistan’s debt burden grows, so does the pressure on its currency. The continuous depreciation of the Pakistani Rupee against the US Dollar has led to rising import costs, particularly for fuel, which in turn fuels inflation. Higher electricity costs, both due to increased generation costs and tariff adjustments mandated by international lenders, further strain households and businesses alike.
5. Social Unrest: As electricity tariffs rise, consumers bear the brunt of increased costs. Public dissatisfaction with frequent outages, high bills, and poor service delivery has led to protests and social unrest in various parts of the country. The inability to resolve the circular debt issue thus not only threatens economic stability but also political and social cohesion.

Conclusion

The resumption of the Sir Syed Express on the Pindi-Karachi track is more than just the return of a beloved train service – it symbolizes the potential revival of Pakistan’s railway sector. As the country grapples with economic challenges, an efficient, reliable, and modern railway network could play a pivotal role in promoting economic growth, fostering social cohesion, and providing a lifeline for millions of citizens.

By addressing infrastructure bottlenecks, improving services, and ensuring financial sustainability, Pakistan Railways has an opportunity to regain its status as a vital part of the nation’s transportation landscape. The return of the Sir Syed Express is a step in the right direction, but sustained efforts and strategic reforms are needed to ensure the long-term success of Pakistan’s railways.