Assistance in energy sector

Policy analysts are never mere handmaidens to power. Policy is supposed to give voice to the voiceless, and act as a balance in terms of power structures. It is part of their job, and a role that the best of them play well, to advocate the policies that they think right. It becomes vital to recognise that policy must be action oriented, organised around questions of what we as a political community should do, rather than what it should be. It is a concern with consequences. Although excessive help from the World Bank and the IMF are known to have detrimental long-term repercussions, it is worthwhile for Pakistan to seek and receive guidance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Policymaking is especially needed in the energy sector of this country, an arena whose failings are clear and palpable. The ADB has agreed to assist Pakistan in formulation of a new energy policy for the medium term covering 2018 to 2023. In this manner, ADB has approved ‘knowledge and support’ technical assistance worth $5 million to carry out key energy sector analyses and an assessment of the progress made during 2010-16, the findings of which will provide options for the policy for the next six years.

Lessons learned from the changing global realities in the past years will be analysed, and then new recommendations will be proposed as inputs for a new energy policy for the medium term (2018 -2023). The findings will be designed to inform the government of Pakistan on past progress and provide options for the future energy strategy of the country. This technical assistance is included in ADB’s current country operations business plan, 2018-20 for Pakistan.

A dependable and sustainable energy sector is indispensable to Pakistan’s economic growth and sustainability. Economic growth upgraded between fiscal years 2010 and 2016, but was still subordinate to the earlier decade. A major obstacle to achieving further progress is the intense energy shortage.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 1^st, 2017.

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