KHALIDA PERVEEN
Energy is considered to be lifeline of any economy and most vital instrument of socio-economic development of a country. There has been an enormous increase in the demand of energy as a result of industrial development and population growth, in comparison to enhancement in energy production. Supply of energy is, therefore, far less than the actual demand. As a result, crisis has emerged. An energy crisis can be defined as any great bottleneck (or price rise) in the supply of energy resources to an economy. Pakistan’s energy infrastructure is not well developed, rather it is considered to be underdeveloped and poorly managed. Currently the country is facing severe energy crisis. During the past decade, no serious efforts have been made to increase power generation capacity. Moreover, rapid demand growth, transmission losses due to outdated infrastructure, power theft, and seasonal reductions in the availability of hydropower have worsened the situation. Consequently, the demand exceeds than the supply and hence loadshedding or energy crisis is common.
Pakistan is an energy crisis traces its roots to following abstains. The shortage of electricity is mainly caused by the gap created between the demand and supply. There are various reason behind the less production of electricity in Pakistan which include lack of new power projects, rising burden of circular debt, power theft, and non-payment of bills. Besides, people do not usually try to save electricity. We all talk about the corruption done by the government officials, but we never talk about corruption of the citizens who are perceived as innocent Pakistanis. At least 50% Pakistanis are either not pay the bills or give bribe to reduce their bill charges. All these problems should have to solved in order to overcome the energy crisis in Pakistan.
Shortage of electricity affects all. Students of all ages are highly affected by the shortfall of electricity, due to which there are so many problems and obstacles mounted in their way of success and goal achievement.
Pakistan is a country which is facing threatening and devastating shortage of electricity due to which all sectors of economy are being adversely affected too. For example, the economic progress is hampered by decline in agricultural productivity as well as by halt in operations of industries. Lower GDP growth and high inflation in recent years has also been attributed to shortfall in energy supply. As a result of decline in energy supply, new industrial units cannot be opened, rather the existing industrial units are gradually being closed.
Energy also impacts unemployment/employment. For instance, if industries are closed the workers will lose jobs. To generate jobs too, through setting up of new industries, energy is a prerequisite. So, employment and unemployment directly or indirectly related to the energy supply. Energy crisis can also contribute to social and psychological issues. These issues are directly related to the change of behavior of the citizen. Only because of the shortfall of the electricity, many people become victims of insomnia, which badly affects their lives and performance at work, if employed.
Low economic growth due to energy crisis also results in increasing poverty. Currently, around forty percent of our population is living beyond poverty line and this ratio is increasing day by day. Ample control of energy crisis will surely yield in curbing the menace of poverty.
Energy crisis has, more or less, plagued all sectors of Pakistan’s economy and therefore it is hampering national progress in a drastic manner. Nonetheless, menace of energy crisis can be overwhelmed by government through making effective policies and its proactive implementation. Simultaneously, it is the responsibility of all the citizens to utilize the available energy wisely for progress of the country.
