Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif on Tuesday stressed the need for a long-term energy strategy based on local resources and renewable energy to ensure energy security and economic stability.
Asif calls for long-term energy strategy based on local resources
ISLAMABAD, Apr 07 (APP):Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif on Tuesday stressed the need for a long-term energy strategy based on local resources and renewable energy to ensure energy security and economic stability.
Responding to a calling attention notice, a drastic change in net metering policy for solar prosumers and a decision to propose 18% tax on solar panels in the National Assembly, he said existing agreements in the power sector have limited the government’s ability to make quick structural changes.
The minister said Pakistan should move towards an energy mix based on local resources, including solar and other low-cost options, adding that this shift is necessary for long-term sustainability.
He added that capacity payments remain a major financial burden, as the government is required to pay power producers under existing contracts even if electricity is not used.
He said that although some efforts have been made to renegotiate these agreements, the relief achieved so far is limited and not enough compared to the scale of the obligations.
Despite these challenges, he said the government would continue to explore options to reduce costs and gradually shift towards more affordable and sustainable energy solutions.
