Damage control: In the throes of poor economy and energy crisis

Courage required to deal with the compounding crisis of the country: speaker.


Express January 03, 2012

ISLAMABAD:


Inequality, energy crisis and poor governance threaten stability and security of the country. While social justice and pro-poor governance are a must for a peaceful and prosperous future.


These views, that were endorsed by the fiery protests against the CNG load shedding on the same day, were expressed at a seminar titled “Deepening crisis of energy, economy and stability: where do the poor stand?” that was held on Monday. The discussion was organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).

While speaking at the occasion, Centre for Research and Security Studies Chairman Imtiaz Gul said the deep-rooted VIP culture, with ever-increasing perks and privileges of the ruling elites, has pushed the people to the bottom of country’s priorities.

He said poor economy and insecurity have pushed the nation into a social and governance paralysis. Gul also lamented how cartels fleeced the money of poor and cautioned there is a strong likelihood that the county could drift in the hands of religio-politico forces. While citing State Bank’s report, he said domestic issues are more decisive and chronic and the country needs a strong political leadership to deal with these worsening issues.

SDPI Senior Research Associate Arif Naveed stated that poverty and wellbeing of the common man have emerged as serious challenges for Pakistan. He highlighted that poverty in the country is differentially distributed along the ethnic lines. While overall poverty in Pakistan is 33 per cent, it is 52 per cent in Balochistan and only 19 per cent in Punjab.

“Pakistan is currently on the verge of a fiscal crisis,” said Head of Research, Business Recorder, Karachi, Ali Khizar Aslam. He recommended reduction in reliance on Compressed Natural Gas, enhancement of alternate energy sources such as solar power, import of Liquefied Petroleum Gas and revision of oil exploration policy. He said gas reserves are rapidly depleting. “The hydro-consumption had decreased from 38 per cent to 33 per cent while oil consumption was increasing, which is again not a healthy sign,” he added.

SDPI Senior Advisor Water and Energy Arshad Abbasi said energy crisis has become not only a social crisis but an institutional failure and a challenge to the stability of country. He said transparency and merit, shifting of focus from power sector to renewable sources, completion of under construction hydro projects on fast-track basis and promotion of bio-gas sources are some of the solutions to country’s current problems.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3rd, 2012.

COMMENTS (3)

Cautious | 12 years ago | Reply

This is type of speech that was probably made 25 years ago and not heeded - now it's too late. You have insufficient energy supply - no money to either find or develop additional supplies - a bad credit rating which will prohibit you from borrowing - and a foreign policy which has slowly isolated you from the West which has been the primary source of your financial aid and assistance in major capital projects. Your tendency to blame others for your problems may satisfy your ego but it's not going to pay your bills, supply energy for your businesses, provide electricity for your air conditioners or gas for your heating.

arif chaudhry | 12 years ago | Reply

@muhmaad saad khan:

this discrimination will continue because the punjabis are ashamed of who they are,they feel ashamed of their language,they feel ashamed of their culture,they feel ashamed of their history.most punjabis don't speak their mother tongue.when you hate who you are,it becomes very easy for others to usurp your rights and discriminate against you.this closure of gas supply to punjab will continue because punjab refuses to stand up for its rights and demand an end to its persecution by the present govt.

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