Transition from fossil fuel urged

LAHORE:

Farmers, women workers and climate activists gathered in a demonstration organised by the Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee and Tameer-e-Nau Women Workers Organisation, calling for a rapid, just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels.

The protest was part of global mobilisation timed with the first International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in Colombia.

Activists worldwide are demanding an end to fossil fuel dependence and a shift towards community-owned renewable energy systems.

Speakers at the demonstration highlighted how Pakistan's deep reliance on imported fossil fuels has made the country vulnerable to global price shocks, rising debt and economic instability.

Participants stressed that the burden of this crisis is being borne disproportionately by working people, especially small farmers and women.

PKRC General Secretary Riffat Maqsood said, "Pakistan's working people are paying the price of an unjust energy system that serves global capital instead of local needs. Farmers are facing rising input costs, irrigation has become more expensive and rural livelihoods are under severe strain. A just transition must prioritise food sovereignty, community control over energy and an end to policies that trap us in debt and fossil fuel dependence. Climate justice cannot be achieved without economic justice."

Protesters also drew attention to the broader regional crisis, noting that Asia remains heavily dependent on fossil fuel imports, exposing economies to geopolitical volatility.