Pakistan is at a critical environmental crossroads, facing both energy shortages and mounting environmental challenges. Climate change, unplanned energy use, and weak policies are major contributors to the country’s environmental problems. The energy sector is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with nearly 59% of energy derived from thermal sources. Despite abundant natural resources, Pakistan struggles with energy insecurity due to unstable fuel prices, political instability, transmission losses, and outdated infrastructure. Renewable energy remains underutilized, making sustainable energy planning essential for the country’s future.
Energy Challenges and Resource Management
The energy crisis in Pakistan reflects a long-standing imbalance between supply and demand. Inefficient infrastructure, high production costs, and systemic losses further exacerbate the problem. While thermal energy dominates, renewable sources like hydro, solar, and wind have untapped potential that could improve energy security. Without rational policies and effective planning, Pakistan risks not only continued energy shortages but also further environmental degradation.
Environmental Issues and Climate Impacts
Environmental problems in Pakistan are diverse and complex, with serious public health and economic consequences. Major cities such as Lahore, Karachi, and Multan suffer from severe air pollution caused by vehicle emissions, industrial waste, crop residue burning, and thermal plants, resulting in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Water scarcity and pollution are equally concerning. Insufficient dams and storage facilities, along with industrial effluents and agricultural chemicals, contaminate water, causing widespread waterborne diseases. Climate change intensifies these challenges, with floods, heatwaves, smog, and glacial melting threatening communities and water security. Unplanned urbanization and infrastructure expansion contribute to soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and landslides, while poor waste management produces large amounts of plastic and hazardous waste, further harming the environment and public health.
Path to Sustainable Development
Addressing Pakistan’s energy and environmental challenges requires sustainable policies and responsible resource management. The country must diversify its energy mix, prioritize renewable sources, and implement effective climate action strategies. Policies should consider Pakistan’s social, economic, political, and environmental realities, with clear targets for reducing pollution and improving energy access. Sustainable planning and governance can ensure long-term energy security, environmental protection, and economic growth, while mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Rana Kamran Ali is a PhD scholar and entrepreneur with expertise in supply chain management. He has served in public and private sectors and as a visiting lecturer at Government Shalimar Postgraduate College and other institutions. He manages a successful gold jewelry business and runs The Scholars Institute, providing consultancy on professional and academic studies.
Please note that all opinions, views, statements, and facts conveyed in the article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of Chaudhry Abdul Rehman Business School (CARBS). CARBS assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in the content. When interpreting and applying the information provided in the article, readers are advised to use their own discretion and judgement.
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