Pakistan has been facing severe energy crisis for over a decade and the gap between production and consumption has been widening with every tick of the clock. Pakistan’s existing energy mix is no longer affordable as approximately 40% of power generation is dependent on imported residual fuel oil. This results in higher cost of power generation and high import bills draining country’s foreign reserves. It is high time to change our priorities and start using coal and import LNG to replace the costly furnace oil and diesel.
Globally, the percentage of energy production through coal is approximately 41%. Despite sitting on one of the largest coal reserves in the world Pakistan produces only 0.1% of its power through coal, which is alarming and criminal negligence. Being Pakistani we should have a national agenda regardless of our political affiliations and geographical position. The national agenda should prioritise the economy as many of current problems stems from poverty, unemployment and illiteracy. An economically vibrant Pakistan guarantees welfare of its citizens.
I would request the current government to expedite the Thar coal project as well as the LNG import plan so that we could cater to the rising energy needs at affordable and sustainable level. The companies which are working on such national level important projects should be supported with good policies and timely decisions to avoid further delay. Pakistan can’t afford to remain in the mess as it is in the condition right now and we should all be united on a national agenda in the larger interest of this country.
FARAZ SHAFQAT USMANI
Karachi
