Solar Boom Prompts Parliamentarians and Experts to Rethink Costly Energy Contracts
ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 27th Aug, 2026) Barrister Danyal Chaudhry, Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting and Secretary of the Parliamentary Forum on Energy and Economy, on Thursday called for a rethink of Pakistan’s long term energy contracts, stating that the country must integrate solar power, LNG, the national grid, and emerging technologies to ensure affordable, reliable, and secure energy.
Speaking at a dialogue titled “The Sun and the Pipeline: Energy Contracts in an Era of Solar Disruption in Pakistan”, organized by the Parliamentary Forum on Energy and Economy in Islamabad, he argued that the debate should move beyond viewing solar and gas as competing alternatives.
“We should not ask whether Pakistan chooses the sun or the pipeline. We should ask how the sun, the pipeline, the grid, and emerging technologies can work together to provide Pakistan with affordable, reliable, and secure energy.”
The dialogue brought together parliamentarians and energy experts to discuss Pakistan’s evolving LNG requirements, geopolitical risks, global market volatility, and policy options for protecting consumers while maintaining energy security.
Speakers emphasized the need for greater flexibility in LNG and fuel imports, warning that rigid long term take-or-pay contracts could burden consumers with costly energy commitments and contribute to circular debt.
Pakistan has deployed an estimated 50 GW of solar capacity across various sectors—from utility-scale to off-grid systems—in just a few years, largely without public subsidy. This capacity is projected to generate approximately 54.75 TWh annually, equivalent to nearly 1,279 MMCFD of gas-fired generation on a gross energy basis.
Dr. Nafisa Shah, Convener of the Parliamentary Forum on Energy and Economy and Member of the National Assembly, highlighted the need for Pakistan’s energy policies and regulatory frameworks to adapt to the rapid growth of solar power.
Muhammad Arif, former Member Gas at OGRA and petroleum law, policy, and regulatory adviser, called for integrated energy governance and mechanisms to monetize surplus solar generation during periods of high output.
Asim Riaz, Energy Adviser at the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association, noted that Pakistan’s LNG challenge increasingly centers on demand, flexibility, affordability, and market design rather than simply securing supplies.
Seb Kennedy, energy journalist and Energy Flux founder, observed that Pakistan is experiencing a consumer-led energy transition faster than the state’s planning system can keep up with, driven by high tariffs, unreliable supply, and falling solar costs.
Huma Chughtai advocated for greater consistency and clarity in policy making and stronger representation of the Planning Division in decisions concerning energy supply and demand.
Mobeen Arif Jutt drew attention to the burden of high electricity tariffs on ordinary citizens and called for measures to alleviate their financial strain.
