KARACHI:
Pakistan’s prolonged energy crisis has significantly affected the lives of millions of citizens. The problem has existed for far too long and requires immediate government action to offer some relief to the public.
Frequent load shedding and national grid breakdowns interfere with people’s daily lives causing them great inconvenience. Most people cannot afford generators or UPS. Resultantly, they struggle to complete their daily chores, students are unable to study, and the elderly and sick also experience difficulties due to extreme temperatures. Power outages also affect business and industrial activities ultimately harming the economy. Many companies have been forced to close down or function on reduced capacity. Businesses are also faced with increasing costs as they are compelled to operate on fuel and diesel generators. They pass these additional costs on to the consumers.
The use of non-renewable energy sources has also harmed the environment i.e., raised pollution levels and greenhouse gas emissions. Government inaction is severely affecting the country’s citizens and the environment. Therefore, the government should resolve Pakistan’s energy crisis and invest in sustainable energy infrastructure and renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
Aqsa Waqar
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, April 15th, 2023.
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