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LAHORE, Dec 06 (APP): Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has said that Pakistan is playing a leading role in the region by implementing fast-paced reforms in the energy sector and promoting clean and renewable energy. He said the government is introducing large-scale measures for the restoration, modernization, and transparency of the power sector.
He was addressing the Second Asia Energy Transition Summit via Zoom on Saturday at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). The summit was jointly organized by the Pakistan Renewable Energy Coalition LUMS and the Alliance for Climate Justice and Clean Energy.
Awais Leghari said that global energy diplomacy and economic dynamics are changing rapidly, deeply impacting developing countries—especially Asia. Citing reports from the International Energy Agency and the United Nations, he said the world is currently standing at a critical turning point in energy and climate governance.
He explained that Asia accounts for 60 per cent of the world’s population and 48 per cent of global energy consumption, making it the central hub of the global energy transition. Investment in renewable energy across Asia has increased by 900 per cent over the past decade, he added.
Speaking about Pakistan, the minister said that although the country’s carbon emissions are less than one percent of the global total, it is among the ten most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. He stated that Pakistan’s solar revolution has advanced at an unprecedented pace, with nearly 50 gigawatts of solar panels imported so far.
According to Leghari, Pakistan currently generates 52 per cent of its electricity from clean and renewable sources, and aims to increase this share to over 90 per cent by 2035. Highlighting ongoing reforms in the power sector, he mentioned the privatization of DISCOs, smart metering, digitalization of the transmission system, reduction of circular debt, launch of the 118 helpline, restructuring of the national grid, solarization of agricultural tube wells, and cuts in electric vehicle charging tariffs.
He further noted that a competitive electricity market has now been implemented in Pakistan, which will enhance transparency, investment, and competition.
At the end of his address, the energy minister thanked the organizers, international partners, and participants, saying that the summit would not only serve as a platform for sharing experiences but also act as an important milestone toward collective regional action and a sustainable energy future.
Former Federal Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar, former Supreme Court Judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Program Director Mustafa Amjad, Dr Amais Abdur Rahman, Hamza Ali Haroon, as well as a large number of national and international experts and students were present.