KARACHI: The International Relations Program of DHA Suffa University, in collaboration with the Karachi Editors Club, organized a pivotal seminar titled “Energy Crisis in Pakistan: Challenges & Opportunities.” The initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Sidra Ahmed, Assistant Professor of International Relations along with Dr. Samreen Bari Amir, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, while Sundus Basharat Ahmad moderated all the ceremony beautifully.
In his welcome address, Brig. (Retd). Prof. Dr. Saeed Minhas, Vice Chancellor of DHA Suffa University, underscored the critical need for immediate solutions to Pakistan’s ongoing energy crisis. He highlighted the gravity of the issue, noting how it has far-reaching consequences on the nation’s economic stability, industrial productivity, and daily lives of its citizens. Dr. Minhas expressed optimism, acknowledging that the distinguished panel of speakers, comprised of renowned and experienced experts in the field, would provide valuable insights into addressing this pressing challenge.
Dr. Minhas further emphasized that the outcome of the seminar, particularly the proposed solutions and recommendations discussed by the experts, would be compiled and shared with the relevant authorities and policymakers. He stressed the importance of turning academic discussions into actionable steps, ensuring that the insights gained from the seminar contribute to shaping the country’s future energy policies.
Shabbar Zaidi, former Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and ex-Senior Partner at PwC, delivered a powerful address as Chief Guest at a recent seminar, critiquing the role of political influence in Pakistan’s economic decisions. Zaidi argued that politicians, driven by personal interests, have consistently avoided addressing the country’s energy crisis-a crisis that he identified as a major hurdle to Pakistan’s export production and GDP growth.
“Energy is one of the most critical issues facing Pakistan today,” Zaidi stressed, “and yet, due to the prevailing crisis, our exports and economic growth are suffering.” He emphasized the urgent need for energy policies grounded in sound economic principles, rather than being subject to political manipulation.
Zaidi called for a shift towards involving sincere experts and capable political leaders in resolving the energy crisis, many of whom, he noted, can be found within academia. He urged for a future shaped by informed decision-making and genuine commitment to the nation’s economic growth.
“Let’s champion a future built on informed decision-making and genuine commitment to our nation’s growth!” Zaidi concluded, underlining the importance of a dedicated and expert-led approach to resolving Pakistan’s energy challenges.
In his keynote address, Mubasher Mir, President of the Karachi Editors Club, posed critical questions to the seminar’s speakers regarding Pakistan’s energy crisis. He highlighted that the country has been producing costly energy, primarily due to its reliance on Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which operate under contracts with high tariffs. These agreements, initially made to address energy shortages, have resulted in expensive electricity for consumers.
Mir emphasized that this is despite Pakistan’s abundant natural resources, such as coal, hydro, wind, and solar potential. He pointed out that the underutilization of these resources, coupled with inefficient infrastructure and dependence on costly fuel imports, is contributing to high energy costs. To alleviate this, he stressed the need for Pakistan to shift its focus towards effectively harnessing its local resources.
Sohail Wajahat, ex-Chairman of Pakistan State Oil, stated that the energy crisis is a direct result of the economic crisis, which has worsened due to poor decisions aimed at improving the economy. He revealed that as early as 1999, he had presented comprehensive solutions to both the energy and economic crises through a detailed book on the subject. He further disclosed that in 2018, he had again proposed these solutions to the Prime Minister during the PTI government, but, like previous administrations, they too were more focused on political gains rather than seriously addressing the crisis.
Wajahat emphasized the urgent need for improvements in the production, distribution, and transmission of energy, stressing that immediate action is required to overcome the country’s persistent energy challenges.
Malik Khuda Baksh, Chairman of the Malik Group of Companies and an expert in the energy sector, voiced strong criticism of Independent Power Producers (IPPs), stating that they are draining trillions of rupees from the nation’s already strained economy. He alleged that the benefits of this system are concentrated in the hands of a few, with approximately 40 families profiting from what he termed a corrupt and exploitative arrangement. According to Baksh, the IPPs have played a pivotal role in creating and perpetuating Pakistan’s energy crisis, burdening the country with unsustainable costs and inefficient energy production.
He further highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the energy sector, calling for a thorough investigation into the dealings of IPPs and their contracts. “The people of this country are paying a heavy price for this corruption, while only a small group reaps the benefits,” he remarked. Baksh stressed that unless the government takes immediate action to reform the IPP system and prioritize the nation’s long-term energy needs, the crisis will continue to deepen, further straining Pakistan’s economy and pushing more citizens into poverty.
Abu Bakar Ismail, Head of Energy and Sustainability at Amerli Steel, emphasized the urgent need for Pakistan to enhance its energy production through clean and renewable sources. He highlighted the importance of adhering to international commitments, specifically the Paris Agreement, which mandates that the country should generate at least 60 percent of its energy from clean sources by 2030. Additionally, he called for a significant shift towards electric vehicles, aiming for at least 30 percent of all vehicles on the road to be electric by the same year.
Ismail also stressed the necessity of ensuring transparency in all agreements related to energy production, transmission, and distribution. He pointed out that taxpayers are funding Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and that there should be a clear understanding of how public funds are being utilized. “The people deserve to know where their money is going and how it is being spent,” he remarked.
He urged the government to prioritize clean energy initiatives and invest in technologies that will lead to sustainable and efficient energy production. By doing so, Pakistan can not only meet its international obligations but also create a healthier environment and promote energy independence for future generations.
Professor Dr. Bashir Ahmad, Dean of Management and Social Sciences DSU, who actively participated in and hosted the seminar, delivered an insightful vote of thanks. He expressed his gratitude to all the speakers and guests for their valuable contributions to the discussions.
Dr. Ahmad specifically acknowledged the Karachi Editors Club for their collaborative efforts in organizing this prestigious and thought-provoking seminar focused on the pressing energy crisis in Pakistan, along with its challenges and opportunities. He emphasized the importance of such gatherings in fostering dialogue and generating actionable solutions to critical national issues.
In his remarks, Dr. Ahmad highlighted the diverse perspectives shared during the seminar, noting that they have enriched the conversation around energy sustainability and reform. He encouraged ongoing collaboration between academic institutions and media organizations to continue addressing these vital topics.
As he concluded, Dr. Ahmad reaffirmed the commitment of DHA Suffah University to be a platform for intellectual discourse and practical solutions, urging all participants to take the insights gained from the seminar into their respective fields and communities. “Together, we can drive meaningful change and pave the way for a sustainable energy future for Pakistan,” he stated, leaving the audience with a call to action.
The seminar concluded with a question-and-answer session, followed by the presentation of shields to the speakers in recognition of their valuable contributions.
Ground-breaking ceremony for rehabilitation of North Nazimabad and North Karachi gas distribution project performed Amin Rajput, Acting Managing Director, SSGC performed the ground breaking for the rehabilitation of the Company’s 1,000 kms distribution network in North Nazimabad and North Karachi.
The need to rehabilitate this 4 decades old distribution network that serves many a North Nazimabad and North Karachi households rose, since over the years, the existing network had become old and corroded, leading to heavy leakages. Due to the high leakage rate the Company was forced to keep the system pressures on the lower side, leading to persistent low-pressure complaints from the residents of the area. Presently, the existing network is not isolated, which explains why gas losses cannot be metered / measured.
The rehabilitation activity will be executed in twelve segments or lots by the Projects and Construction Department of the Company’s Technical Services Division. Ground breaking ceremony was attended by SSGC’s senior management including Saeed Rizvi, DMD (Operations), Syed Asghar Shah, (SGM HR and MS), Ghulam Moeen Butt, ASGM (Technical Services), Fasihuddin Fawad, ASGM (Customer Services), Adnan Rehman, ASGM (Distribution SBU-LS Central) and Madni Siddiqui, ASGM (HSEQA) and many other departmental heads.
Rehabilitation of the area has been planned in a way that the network would be segregated in 18 zones with isolated TBSs or Town Border Stations (10 existing and 8 proposed TBSs). Consequently, sale / purchase will be reconciled for each zone. All leaky / corroded steel pipe network would be replaced with HDPE 100 pipe and the entire losses due to the leakage would be eliminated. In addition, under-sized network would be upgraded in all respects and smooth supply would be possible to all the customers of this area. The arrangement will help in a better control of the operational pressure of the area as per requirement with the creation of newly segregated small pockets. The project will be commissioned in around 10 months.
While addressing the gathering, Amin Rajput, AMD appreciated all departments that played their role in the implementation of this project with special mention of Technical Services Division for implementing a massive rehabilitation strategy whereby the previous maximum rehabilitation of 250 kms will be converted to 2,500 in a year. These efforts, he said, have helped to bring down overall UFG to less than 10 percent after nearly 2 decades. He hoped that the Technical Services Division will continue with the same momentum while carrying out rehabilitation works in Northern part of Karachi and other areas. Ghulam Ali Mahar, DGM-In charge (P&C) moderated the proceedings as Master of Ceremony.
