Written by: Sajid Anwar Wardak
Pakistan has a familiar pattern of handling economic and energy crises: the burden ultimately falls on the common citizen. In the current situation, petroleum dealers and their associations once again appear eager to capitalize on the crisis, raising concerns that the public may again be forced to bear the cost.
However, this time the circumstances are different. The transport and energy landscape is gradually changing. Electric vehicles are slowly gaining ground, while CNG-powered vehicles still represent a significant portion of the market. These alternatives provide Pakistan with a chance to rethink its heavy dependence on petroleum rather than simply passing the crisis onto consumers.
Instead of worsening the financial strain on ordinary people, policymakers should treat this situation as an opportunity to accelerate the transition toward alternative energy. Rising petrol costs could naturally push the market toward electric mobility and a renewed shift to CNG, especially if supported by sensible policies and infrastructure development.
At the same time, solar energy offers another major opportunity. Over the past five years, citizens have invested heavily in solar systems, which according to import data can collectively generate around 14,000 megawatts of electricity. Unfortunately, much of this potential remains underutilized because it is not effectively integrated into the national grid. By revising agreements with electricity distribution companies and improving grid management, this energy could significantly strengthen the country’s power supply.
The current crisis, therefore, does not have to become another burden on the public. With thoughtful planning and responsible policymaking, it can instead accelerate Pakistan’s transition toward electric mobility, alternative fuels, and renewable energy—ultimately reducing the country’s dependence on expensive imported petroleum.
In that sense, what appears to be a challenge today could become a blessing in disguise for Pakistan’s long-term energy future. May Allah Almighty guide us toward wiser decisions.
The author is a PHD research scholar in International relations
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