Pakistan Sets Ambitious 90% Clean Energy Target for Power Generation by 2034
In a significant announcement during the National Assembly session, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari declared that Pakistan is on a clear path to transform its energy landscape. He stated that the country aims to become a ninety percent clean energy nation in terms of power generation by the year 2034. This ambitious goal underscores a major shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity production.
Current Clean Energy Achievements and Future Commitments
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Sharmila Faruqui, the minister provided detailed insights into Pakistan's current energy mix. He revealed that fifty-five percent of the electricity generated in the fiscal year 2024-25 already originated from clean energy sources. This includes contributions from solar, wind, hydro, and other renewable technologies.
Furthermore, Minister Leghari highlighted Pakistan's international commitments, noting that the country is required to increase its clean energy share to sixty percent by 2030. Expressing strong confidence, he asserted that this target will be achieved within the current year, marking a rapid acceleration in renewable energy adoption.
Net Billing Regulations and Government Intervention
The discussion also addressed the controversial Prosumer Regulations, which proposed replacing the existing net metering system with net billing. Minister Leghari clarified that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has halted the implementation of these regulations following concerns raised by various stakeholders. On the Prime Minister's direction, a review petition will be filed with the relevant regulatory authority.
However, the minister firmly rejected the impression that these regulations would negatively impact ordinary citizens or increase their expenses. He explained that only eight to ten percent of the total installed solar energy capacity is currently linked to the net metering system. Emphasizing the government's perspective, he stated that reducing the profit margin for such users from fifty percent to thirty-seven percent does not constitute an anti-people measure, but rather a recalibration to ensure broader system sustainability.
Progress in Power Sector Reforms and Infrastructure
Minister Leghari took the opportunity to highlight several key achievements in improving Pakistan's power sector. He reported a substantial reduction in circular debt by seven hundred eighty billion rupees, a critical step towards financial stability in the energy domain. Additionally, government efforts have led to a decrease of one hundred ninety billion rupees in losses attributed to power pilferage, showcasing enhanced enforcement and monitoring mechanisms.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly was informed about ongoing infrastructure upgrades. Parliamentary Secretary for the Power Division, Aamir Talal Khan, announced during Question Hour that the nationwide installation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters is scheduled for completion by the end of this year. He explained that load-shedding is strategically implemented on feeders with high losses, and the deployment of Aerial Bundled Cables (ABC) alongside AMI meters is expected to significantly address these loss issues. A comprehensive campaign against individuals involved in power theft is also currently underway.
Health and Diplomatic Updates from the Assembly
The session also covered other important national matters. Responding to a separate Calling Attention Notice, Minister of State for National Health Services, Mukhtar Ahmad Malik, reaffirmed Pakistan's firm commitment to eradicating the polio virus with public support. He clarified that eradication means not only reducing clinical cases to zero but also ensuring all environmental sewage samples test negative. Recent negative samples from Punjab, Peshawar, and Hazara were cited as positive indicators. The minister assured that vaccine efficacy, cold chain systems, and worker training have been independently validated to maintain quality.
On the diplomatic front, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, responding to a Point of Order, expressed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause. He affirmed that Pakistan will continue to fulfill its responsibilities diplomatically in support of the Palestinian people.
Additionally, Parliamentary Secretary for Communications, Gul Asghar, informed the house that maximum funds have been allocated in the current budget for the construction of road infrastructure in Balochistan, aiming to boost regional development and connectivity.
The National Assembly session concluded with the House being prorogued, marking the end of a productive discussion on critical national issues spanning energy, health, diplomacy, and infrastructure.
