Islamabad: Pakistan is making significant strides in transforming its energy sector, aiming for self-reliance through the development of indigenous resources. According to Radio Pakistan, the government, in partnership with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), has implemented effective strategies to achieve energy self-sufficiency and enhance the utilization of local energy sources.

In recent years, the nation has notably decreased its reliance on imported fuels, while electricity generation from domestic sources has seen a considerable increase. Electricity produced from imported fuels has fallen from 34 percent of the total in fiscal year 2020-21 to approximately 15 percent in fiscal year 2024-25.

A key development in this transformation is the activation of the K-2 nuclear reactor, which has significantly boosted nuclear power generation in the country, increasing output from 10.9 terawatt hours to 23 terawatt hours. The renewable energy sector, particularly solar power, has also expanded, with an annual generation capacity now ranging between 14 to 20 gigawatts. Over 1.8 million farmers are utilizing solar energy to generate electricity, and solar tube-wells have lessened the dependency on the national grid by 45 percent.

Meanwhile, there has been a decrease of approximately 49 percent in power generation based on LNG, and a reduction of nearly 50 percent in furnace oil-based generation. Economist and energy expert Muhammad Arif asserts that Pakistan is undergoing an energy revolution, with electricity generation capacity now surpassing national requirements. He suggests that further advancements can be made through the efficient and cost-effective use of local and sustainable resources such as solar, Thar coal, and nuclear energy.

The ongoing reforms in the energy sector, supported by SIFC, and the emphasis on indigenous resources are contributing to the economic stability of Pakistan.