“With or without the rest of the world, Pakistan will achieve a just and clean energy transition for our future generations,” said Dr Musadik Malik, Minister of State for Petroleum Division, here on Sunday.
According to a news release, he was speaking at a legislative consultation titled “Towards a Sustainable Future: Inclusion of Just Energy Transition and Climate Action in Election Manifestos 2023,” which was co-hosted by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and the legislative Taskforce on SDGs.
According to the State Minister, the Russia-Ukraine situation has resulted in disproportional energy inflation for developing countries, impeding renewable energy transition and access.
As a result, it is essential that just and clean energy transitions be accompanied by finance mobilisation for developing countries in order to enable technology transfer and indigenous development, he said, emphasising that accountability for clean energy transitions should be extended equally across the table, not just to developing countries.
Dr. Musadik emphasised that Pakistani petroleum corporations, such as Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), and Pakistan State Oil (PSO), have been asked to convert into energy companies and engage in renewable energy.
The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Romina Khurshid Alam, emphasised that prioritising climate action and renewable energy in party manifestos can demonstrate commitment to addressing climate change and boost Pakistan’s standing in international climate funding partnerships.
Clean energy solutions, just energy transition, and climate action in election manifestos are not only crucial in addressing the climate crisis but demonstrate commitment to deliver social justice, economic growth and global leadership, she said. She also proposed a resolution to phase out fossil fuel in collaboration with SDPI.
Senator Taj Haider emphasized addressing the policy inconsistency in the energy sector of Pakistan to ensure a rapid offtake of RE in Pakistan. He said that 3000MW electricity was generated from wind and solar at Jhimpir but poor transition infrastructure hindered supply to other areas and these issues were impeding foreign investor interest in wind and solar power plants.
He stated that the Senate had unanimously passed a resolution requiring industrial regions to have solar parks. He went on to say that 50,000 buildings had been rebuilt, 200,000 had been solarized, and 2000 700 reverse osmosis units had been solarized in Sindh following the 2020 floods. He advocated for improved transmission infrastructure and the installation of local grid systems to boost energy availability in underserved areas.
Senior specialists from academia, CSOs, the finance industry, development partners, and diplomatic missions also participated in the parliamentary consultation.
