Danyal urges sweeping energy reforms, solar expansion to attract industrial investment

ISLAMABAD, Nov 05 (APP):Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Barrister Danyal Chaudhry on Thursday said the government is accelerating energy sector reforms and promoting solar power to reduce dependence on imported fuels, strengthen energy security and attract industrial investment. Addressing a conference organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), he described renewable energy as a sustainable solution to Pakistan's energy crisis and stressed the need for coordinated efforts between federal and provincial governments to achieve the country's clean energy targets. Highlighting the rapid expansion of solar power, Danyal Chaudhry said Pakistan had imported approximately 45,000 to 50,000 megawatts of solar panels over the past five years, reflecting growing public and private-sector interest in renewable energy. He said the government is pursuing policies to diversify the country's energy mix, promote affordable and clean energy solutions, improve energy security and reduce reliance on imported fuels. Emphasising federal provincial coordination, he said renewable energy targets could not be achieved without aligning federal policies with provincial priorities. Barrister Chaudhry added that Parliament is committed to introducing reforms in energy policy and monitoring their implementation, while removing obstacles to utility scale solar and wind projects remained an urgent priority. The parliamentary secretary stressed that federal and provincial governments needed to work in close coordination to ensure affordable, clean and reliable electricity for consumers and businesses. He said the government is also undertaking broader energy-sector reforms to improve efficiency, promote sustainable power generation and facilitate investment in modern energy infrastructure. Highlighting industrial development, he said the government is encouraging local and foreign investors to establish new industrial projects, introduce modern technologies and explore opportunities in renewable energy, particularly solar power generation and energy storage. He said efforts are also under way to provide a business-friendly environment, facilitate investors and introduce policies supporting industrial expansion, employment generation and economic growth. Danyal Chaudhry said the government, under the Prime Minister's leadership, is pursuing a coordinated strategy involving policy reforms, investment promotion, technological advancement and institutional cooperation to address energy-sector challenges. He invited investors to become partners in developing a diversified and sustainable energy system, saying a reliable and competitive energy sector is essential for Pakistan's economic stability, industrial growth and long-term prosperity.