Energy Security- A Threat Assessment for Pakistan

Security and provision of energy are the cornerstone of any country sustainable development as well as the main drivers for economic and industrial growth. Countries, whether developed or developing, remain heavily reliant on energy resources, and energy security is gaining critical primacy for all concerned. Faced with a severe energy crisis for a long time, Pakistan has had to rely on oil-based expensive energy mix widening demand-supply gap, lack of integrated energy strategy and poor energy governance, despite being endowed with immense hydro, wind and solar energy potential. This study attempts to map Pakistan vulnerability to the impacts and challenges pertaining to energy security that constrains its socio-economic development and stability. It further explores the need to involve local community and business sector in formulating adaptation strategies and bridging policy-practice gaps to restructure energy policy and systems by shifting energy mix in favour of renewables and improving energy governance.