Energy and Resources Lawyers in Islamabad and Peshawar – Nouman Muhib Kakakhel – Lawyer & Legal Consultant

In February 2026, NEPRA fundamentally changed the economics of distributed solar by shifting from a 1:1 net metering model to a net billing system. Under these new rules, surplus electricity exported to the grid is now compensated at the national average energy purchase price—roughly half the previous credit rate. We advise commercial and industrial clients on restructuring their energy contracts and implementing battery storage strategies to maximize self-consumption and protect their return on investment under the shortened five-year contract terms.

Recent record-breaking discoveries in the Nashpa block have highlighted the importance of hydrocarbon exploration rights and concession agreements. Under the Petroleum Policy, companies must adhere to strict production sharing and local community development obligations. We assist energy firms in managing "joint venture agreements" and navigating the security and environmental compliance requirements mandated for high-output wells. Our legal support ensures that exploration licenses are defended against administrative delays and that production targets are met within the federal regulatory framework.

The provincial government has recently enforced a strict ban on illegal mining along the Indus and Kabul rivers to protect the ecosystem. For legitimate operators, this means a higher burden of proof regarding environmental safeguards and valid "mining leases." We represent mineral companies in Peshawar, helping them secure official permits and conduct "environmental impact assessments" that satisfy the Department of Mines and Minerals. We also provide a legal defense against the arbitrary confiscation of machinery during enforcement drives, ensuring that lawful operations are not disrupted.

As part of IMF-backed reforms, the government has shortlisted several distribution companies, including IESCO and GEPCO, for DISCO privatization. This shift from public to private ownership changes the legal landscape for "tariff setting" and "billing recovery." We advise large-scale consumers and potential investors on the legal risks associated with privatized utilities, focusing on the protection of supply agreements and the resolution of disputes over technical and commercial losses that were previously absorbed by the state.