Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a focused effort on promoting alternative energy, especially solar energy, and directed the formulating of a strategy for Thar coal gasification. During a meeting on Wednesday with the Petroleum Division, the prime minister highlighted the importance of Thar coal in meeting Pakistan's energy needs and instructed measures to transport Thar coal to other parts of the country via rail. The briefing underscored that Pakistan, despite its minimal carbon footprint, is among the top five vulnerable countries to climate change. Measures are being taken to mitigate these impacts by promoting alternative energy products.

A strategy to enhance tight gas production and install smart meters to curb gas and oil theft was also discussed. Plans to promote electric bikes, vehicles, and domestic electric appliances, as well as proposals for deregulating the petroleum sector and digitizing petrol and gas exploration, are underway. The Petroleum Division is also working on enhancing competitiveness in the petroleum sector, promoting biofuels, and increasing local oil and gas production. The meeting was attended by Federal Petroleum Minister Dr. Musaddik Malik, Power Minister Awais Ahmed Leghari, PM’s Coordinator Rana Ehsas Afzal, and other senior officials.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan