Energy crisis: Broad-based reforms needed, say experts

Pakistan’s real problem depends on three E’s — energy, economy and extremism, says SDPI Executive Director Dr...

ISLAMABAD:

During a discussion on Monday, experts termed bad governance a threat to the stability and security of the country, said a press release. 

In a panel discussion on “Energy Governance in Pakistan,” they expressed concern over increasing inequality and the energy crisis and were of the view that social justice and pro-poor policies were mandatory for the country’s progress.

While suggesting the adoption of alternative models for the equitable use of national resources like gas, Member Energy of the Planning Commission Shahid Sattar said “The high subsidy on gas bills is a loss of national wealth and causes disparity and injustice.”

He added that as a part of a much-needed integrated energy policy, Nepra should be made responsible for the management of power sector instead of the Ministry for Water and Power. The fragmentation of policy-level institutions was a major impediment in resolving the energy crisis in the country, he added. “Circular debt cannot be controlled by privatising the power sector.”

Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) Executive Director Dr Abid Qayum Suleri, while launching the fourth volume of the Sustainable Policy Economic Bulletin, said Pakistan’s real problem depends on three E’s — energy, economy and extremism.

The event was held at SDPI.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2013.