Shortage of energy in Pakistan has been a hot issue since her birth. In contrast to the evils of the Cold War between the USA and Russia, there were some opportunities too, and the construction of dams in Pakistan was one among these. Pakistan has been facing an energy crisis for many years. High cost of fossil fuels has increased the energy price and caused an economic crisis.
There are multiple causes behind the energy crisis in Pakistan, some of these are the following;
Poor economy since 1947
Lack of political will
High cost of fossil fuels
Overpopulation
Luxury lifestyle
Electricity theft
Less Dams
Lag behind Science & Technology
Absence of solar panel manufacturing industry in the country.
According to the NEPRA’s current report, Pakistan is generating energy from the following resources;
To counter the energy crisis, the Government of Pakistan aims to achieve 60% energy from renewable resources and hydro power plants by 2030. In this regard, wind power plants are being installed in coastal areas of the country. It is pertinent to mention here that public and private buildings are converting to renewable energy i.e. solar energy. Moreover, net-metering policy by the government has encouraged the citizens to share their extra energy to the national grid.
For convenience, import duty tax has decreased or ended on renewable energy related material. Moreover, the government is subsidizing the renewable energy sector for the promotion of renewable energy in the country, so that the said target could be achieved by 2030.
Furthermore, political will is the prerequisite to end the energy crisis in Pakistan. Current political activism by the youth of the country has proved that the public has started to participate in state affairs and for the development of the country. New dams are being constructed and soon they will be ready to bear the burden of heavy load. Moreover, the CPEC project will provide energy opportunities alongside economic opportunities. Although, manufacturing industries should be installed in the country for the construction of high quality solar panels at a low price.
The above article covers the answers to the following past papers of CSS i.e. Current Affairs and Pakistan Affairs;
- Discuss the significance of renewable energy resources for Pakistan. (Pakistan Affairs-2021)
- Pakistan's energy crisis was due to the lack of strategy and political will. Discuss. (Pakistan Affairs-2020)
- What are the main causes of the energy crisis in Pakistan? What measure do you recommend to address it? (Pakistan Affairs-2019)
- Explore the option of alternative energy resources to overcome the energy crisis in Pakistan. (Pakistan Affairs-2017)
- Give a critical review of Pakistan Energy Policy 2013 – 2018. (Current Affairs-2019)
- Critically appreciate the decision making in Pakistan regarding the energy crisis in Pakistan. (Current Affairs-2014)
- Critically evaluate the causes of the Energy crisis in Pakistan and its consequences for the economic growth and social fabric in the country. (Current Affairs-2013)
- How can the energy crisis of Pakistan be resolved? (Current Affairs-2012)