Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari presented Pakistan’s ambitious clean energy agenda at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Energy Ministers Conference on Thursday, calling for regional collaboration, innovation, and cross-border integration to address global energy challenges.
Speaking virtually under the theme “Integrate Innovation for Energy Future”, Leghari outlined a long-term strategy focused on clean energy adoption, institutional reform, and investor engagement.
“Pakistan is not only seeking investment,” Leghari said. “We are offering long-term partnerships built on trust, innovation, and mutual benefit.”
From Short-Term Fixes to Structural Reforms
Highlighting Pakistan’s shift away from ad-hoc solutions, Leghari emphasized recent institutional overhauls designed to ensure grid modernization and market transparency. New bodies such as:
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Power Planning & Monitoring Company (PPMC)
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Energy Infrastructure Development and Management Company (EIDMC)
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National Grid Company (NGC)
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Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO)
are part of a broader governance framework aimed at streamlining planning, execution, and accountability across the power sector.
Pakistan’s Clean Energy Targets
Reaffirming national energy goals, Leghari reiterated Pakistan’s pledge to:
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Achieve 60% renewable energy share by 2030
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Reach 30% electric vehicle penetration
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Promote smart metering, digital efficiency tools, and local innovation through a dedicated R&D Secretariat
He also mentioned the upcoming launch of a $3 billion Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) initiative to digitize energy use for over 30 million consumers, opening the door for international investment.
Pakistan as a Regional Energy Bridge
Owing to its strategic location, Pakistan can serve as a connective hub between Central Asia, South Asia, and the Gulf. Leghari urged greater cross-border electricity trade, joint investment in shared infrastructure, and the completion of regional projects like CASA-1000.
He encouraged Afghanistan to participate fully as a transit and off-take partner to enable regional energy integration and improve stability.
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Five Key Proposals for SCO Energy Cooperation
To strengthen energy collaboration under the SCO framework, Leghari proposed five regional initiatives:
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SCO Secretariat for Energy Innovation and R&D Collaboration
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Energy Innovation Fellowship Programme for young researchers
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Joint demonstration sites for renewable and smart grid technologies in Pakistan
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Energy Cooperation Dashboard to track progress
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Project Prioritisation Committee for selecting high-impact investments
Conclusion
Pakistan’s vision for a clean, connected, and innovative energy future aligns with global sustainability trends and regional integration goals. With a foundation built on institutional reforms and clear investment opportunities, the country is positioning itself as a key player in shaping South and Central Asia’s energy future.
