QUETTA: The Government of Balochistan took a major step toward a greener future by holding a key meeting to discuss its new Draft Renewable Energy Policy.
The event, organized by the provincial Energy Department and the Institute for Development Studies and Practices (IDSP), was held at the Serena Hotel. It brought together government officials, energy experts, and community leaders.
Secretary of Energy Muhammad Dawood Bazai stressed the urgent need for practical policies and stronger institutions to promote renewable energy, especially given the current climate crisis.
Additional Secretary Sahibzada Najeebullah discussed plans to expand renewable projects, find ways to pay for them, and update regulations. He emphasized that local communities must be at the heart of this new policy.
Experts from IDSP, including Dr. Quratul Ain Bakhtiari and Rabia Mirrani, pointed out both the challenges—like reliance on fossil fuels and poor power grids—and the huge opportunities for solar, wind, and local energy systems in the province.
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Participants broke into groups to discuss important topics like community involvement, funding, and specific high-priority projects. The policy sets ambitious goals, including generating 15% of energy from renewables and providing electricity to 70-100% of the population by 2040.
The meeting concluded with a strong consensus that Balochistan has the potential to become a leader in sustainable and community-powered energy for Pakistan.
