Pakistan, Sept. 12 -- Pakistan will seek bids from power suppliers this month for its first competitive auction of 400 megawatts (MW) of electricity, energy officials said on Friday, with industry stakeholders urging the government to reduce high power tariffs to help Pakistani exporters compete worldwide.

Pakistan is moving from a single-buyer electricity system to a Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM) that allowing industrial consumers to buy power directly from suppliers at negotiated rates.

The government will invite bids through a Request for Proposals (RFPs) within this month, officials at Pakistan's energy ministry said, with the 400 MW auction expected to be held this year in the fourth quarter.

"ISMO will lau...