ISLAMABAD – The experts at a seminar on Monday recommended to reduce reliance on CNG and explore alternate resources for overcoming energy shortage in the country.
They mentioned to solar energy and import of LPG as alternate options and stressed revision of oil exploration policy for meeting energy needs
The seminar titled “Deepening crisis of energy, economy and stability: where do the poor stand?” was organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI). Dr Vaqar Ahmad, Head of Economic Growth Unit at SDPI said that SMEs and family-run business which are over 90 percent of business sector are seriously suffering.
The speakers also recommended transparency, merit, shifting of focus from power sector to renewable sources, completion of under construction hydel projects on fast track basis, and promotion of bio-gas sources as solutions to country’s current problems.
Experts including Imtiaz Gul, Ali Khizar Aslam, Arshad H. Abbasi, and Arif Naveed spoke on the occasion.
Ali Khizar Aslam said that energy crisis is a broad-based issue and all the stakeholders are responsible including the general public.
He was of the view, that despite less availability, gas consumption was massively promoted in the recent years.
He observed that gas reserves are depleting and hydro consumption has decreased from 38 percent to 33 percent while oil consumption has increased from 18 to 40 percent.
Arshad H. Abbasi claimed that energy crisis is an institutional failure and a challenge to the economic stability of country.
He said “we have to shift our focus from burning fossil oil to renewable energy sources”.
Arif Naveed stated that inequality and masses wellbeing have emerged as serious challenges for Pakistan and called for efforts to address these issues.
Imtiaz Gul advocated prudent policies to steer country out challenges facing the nation.