ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has highlighted energy security as a key pillar of Pakistan’s long-term national planning, stressing the need for proactive steps to meet future demands.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad, the premier noted that timely policy actions and energy conservation efforts had helped the country avoid a potential crisis amid the current regional tensions.
He revealed that the government is working on a strategy to build and maintain strategic crude oil reserves to ensure stability in the years ahead. Alongside this, he underscored the importance of transitioning toward cleaner energy solutions, particularly by gradually replacing conventional transport with electric vehicles.
Sharif directed that, going forward, official procurement should prioritize electric buses and motorcycles, while also calling for faster expansion of EV charging infrastructure nationwide. He further emphasized the need to develop a comprehensive plan to support battery storage, especially for surplus electricity generated through solar power.
To strengthen this shift, the prime minister encouraged boosting local manufacturing of high-quality batteries, aiming to reduce reliance on imports and support sustainable development goals.
Officials briefed the meeting that Pakistan currently holds sufficient petroleum reserves and that the food security outlook remains stable. They also noted an uptick in domestic oil and gas production, driven by ongoing efforts from energy companies.
Additionally, work is in progress on feasibility plans for two pilot projects focused on grid-level battery storage. Households producing solar energy are also being incentivized to install storage systems, helping improve efficiency and reliability in the power sector.
