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Report: Pakistan 3rd Biggest Importer of Solar Panels in the World
Pakistan has become the third largest importer of solar panels in the world after buying 17 gigawatts (GW) of solar power systems in 2024 as per the Pakistan Climate Prosperity Plan (CPP) jointly established by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Climate Change.
Pakistan’s imports of solar products more than quadrupled from a year earlier, a jump that reflects a surge in demand as electricity tariffs climb and global prices for solar panels decrease, the report said.
The report sets out an ambitious plan for reforming the country’s energy industry with the goal of 60% clean energy by 2030, increasing the share of renewable sources to 50% of electricity output by 2035, and 95% renewable electricity generation by 2040.
It also aims to retire or convert 14,000 megawatts (MW) of fossil fuel power plants by 2035, cut transmission and distribution losses from 19% to 8%, ensure universal access to electricity and install rooftop solar systems in all government secondary schools by 2035.
The research said Pakistan’s power sector continues to experience escalating financial strain from costly power purchase agreements (PPAs), variable international fuel costs and currency depreciation, which have led to increasing energy tariffs and an increasing circular debt burden.
The report says the country has often paid for costly power generation capacity that is not used much, highlighting the need to cut the dependence on imported fossil fuels by growing indigenous renewable energy sources including solar, wind, hydropower and biomass.
It says that a speedier switch to renewable energy will improve energy security, cut the cost of fuel imports, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ease strain on foreign exchange reserves while helping to bring down electricity prices for consumers.
The paper advises major investment in large-scale solar and wind projects, battery storage systems and modernising Pakistan’s electricity grid to increase dependability as renewable energy output expands.
It also advocates for reforming expensive power purchase agreements, implementing more cost-reflective electricity rates and gradually decommissioning inefficient fossil fuel power facilities to assist confront the country’s circular debt dilemma.
The report also demands the setting up of transparent competitive auctions for new renewable energy projects and the reinforcement of credit guarantees to attract more private investment, thereby freeing up fiscal space to improve the national power infrastructure and to sustain long-term energy reforms.
– Nine more militants were eliminated in the ongoing Operation Shaban in Balochistan, taking the number of militants killed in the operation to 52 and the total number of those killed since July 5, including those killed in intelligence-based operations (IBOs), to 88, security sources said.
Security sources claimed the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) and police were conducting synchronized air and ground operations against militant hideouts across Balochistan under the framework of Operation Shaban.
Officials stated the operation would continue until all the extremists involved were killed.
Balochistan govt issues report of attack on Mangi Dam check post
The operation was initiated in the Shaban area of Quetta district on July 5 after a devastating attack on the police post of the Mangi Dam pumping station in which 27 police men were slain.
During the attack, militants shot dead nine police officers, including two station house officers (SHO), and took 18 others hostage at gunpoint. The bodies of abducted people were eventually retrieved from mountainous terrain of Zarghoon Gar.
Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has been selected as the brand ambassador of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Champions Cricket League (KCL) ahead of the league’s official start later this month.
The regional cricket league will officially kick off with the inaugural ceremony on July 18 at 6pm at Peshawar Cricket Stadium.
Afridi appealed to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially the cricket lovers in Peshawar, to come out with their families to support the budding cricketers and to be part of the new cricket movement in the region.
The ceremony will also be attended by various past and present international cricketers including former Pakistan captain Younis Khan, who is the commissioner of the league.
The official dates of the tournament will be disclosed during the opening event, organisers added. Also announced will be details of the province-wide talent hunt trials, the league’s future activities and other big announcements.
The management of KCL has taken special measures for the convenience of the spectators, especially families and has allotted complimentary tickets for the supporters attending the launch event.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Saturday highlighted the relevance of Pakistan-UK bilateral relations.
The DPM/FM asked the High Commissioner designate to the UK to increase efforts to deepen and widen the collaboration between the two countries in the political, economic and people-to-people spheres.
In a news release, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said that High Commissioner-designate of Pakistan to the United Kingdom, Tipu Usman Chaudhry, called on the DPM/FM.
Operation Shaban: 9 additional terrorists killed, toll rises to 52
Shahid Afridi roped in as brand ambassador for KP Champions Cricket League
DPM Dar emphasizes the significance of bilateral relations between Pakistan and the UK.
ICC board meeting in India: Mohsin Naqvi gets invitation
The IMF mission has arrived in Pakistan for discussions regarding the budget.
Is the US-Iran standoff exposing deep fault lines in US intelligence coordination?
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