Gradually with the pace of time, the energy sector is moving towards an acute crisis-like situation. However, for the initiatives taken by the government of PTI in this regard is very invigorating, perhaps it will be yielded on a long term basis and in-between it is vital to grope an appropriate solution to meet the crisis which are already proceeding at the threshold. According to a survey report mentioned in 2020 and 2021 the total installed generation capacity of WAPDA was 37.261 MW out of that furnace oil 15% hydel, 26% natural gas, 12% LNG, 25% coal, 9% renewable energy like solar and wind 5% and Nuclear 8% are the main resources of power generation in our country.
All the later mentioned resources are presently generating a total of 25,000 MW while the capacity of transmission lines is 22,000 MW in the peak hours, despite the availability of electricity it is not possible to fill the gap of 3,000 MW to the required locations, so the deficit remains existed till the present transmission line will not be upgraded and brought at par. Whereas, the demand/consumption is gradually increasing every year. Therefore, it is vital to ponder upon the real cause of the current shortfall of demand and supply system and it is deemed that this will be a better option if along with the construction of new power projects, without losing more time if it is also deliberated to improve the capacity of transmission lines on solid ground basis across the country.
The real progress of a nation is hidden in the self-sufficiency of it is energy requirements. Whereas, the government sector of under-developed countries likewise Pakistan always remains under intense financial strains which to some extent it becomes arduous to provide enough financial resources to take frequent initiatives for building mega power projects. According to my opinion to unravelment and mitigate the intensity of such sort of aggrandizing financial difficulties certainly it is exigent to remove all sorts of snags and impediments and invite private sector entrepreneurs from local and abroad who are willing and prepared to finance and own the principles of public-private sector partnership ventures. To group further solutions, it is obligatory to introduce a congruous power generation policy by allowing provincial governments to erect their power generation units including grid stations, transmission lines, and distribution systems at expedient locations to the satisfactory level of consumers.
Albeit, on the other side it is mandatory that the “National Power Regulatory Authority” should ensure a check and balance system on the implementation of electricity tariff which must not exceed beyond the limits of consumers capacity especially it is essential to keep in mind lower-income consumers difficulties in the present costliness environment.
Gilgit Baltistan has truly a great potential in the rest of the country by providing an abundance of feasible locations to produce more than 50,000 MW environmentally friendly electricity. This cheapest source of energy is the only sustainable solution to the chronic problem of existing load shedding, beside saving billions of dollars to the economy of Pakistan we can also earn a visible income by exporting excess power to our neighbouring countries. For a protracted period, the people of the GB are kept deprived of their basic rights and among them, one of the most annoying issues is the insufficient energy situation. Despite existing small and medium-size hydroelectric generating units the people have to endeavor 20 to 22 hours of load shedding every day. A survey report reveals that the total installed generation capacity of power in the GB is some 148 MW, but the fact is the other way round. The main cause of this nuisance ordeal of mismanagement is the incapable and inexperienced staff who respond to operate and look after the hydel power stations of the area. Nevertheless, it is mandatory to look into this matter and fix the responsibility and accountable those officials who deputed such incapable people in these very imperative technical positions.
Somewhat it is tyranny, such a strategically very imperative region overwhelmed with natural resources and even cannot be compared with other parts of the country owing to some of its unique traits. Indeed, it is a great laxity on behalf of high incumbents after more than seven decades passed hitherto awaiting to get their fundamental rights. As discussed later in the present modern time due to ill planning people of GB are compelled to bear 20 to 22 hours of load shedding every day and depend on wooden fuel for cooking and heating of their habitats at large. Following the world standards, every independent country ought to comprise at least 25% of its land on the tropical forest, while it is a tale of woe that we are already lacking in this respect as well due to the menace of unbridled deforestation of timber mafia. Somewhat the credit goes to PM Imran who is very keen to bring change by vigorous plantation all over the country.