PM Shehbaz terms energy security as crucial part of Pakistan's overall future planning

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has termed the energy security as a crucial part of country’s long-term future.

Addressing a meeting in Islamabad on Thursday regarding energy security, he noted that through energy-saving efforts and timely decisions, Pakistan managed to avoid a potential crisis despite the challenging regional environment.

PM Shehbaz also shared that work is in progress on a plan to establish strategic reserves of crude oil to meet future requirements. 

Stressing the importance of sustainability, he said that the country must gradually transition its transport system toward environmentally friendly electric vehicles, adding that government institutions should eventually rely only on electric buses and motorcycles.

The prime minister further called for faster progress in setting up Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station.

Highlighting the role of renewable energy, he said a clear strategy is needed to make it easier to acquire batteries for storing surplus electricity generated through solar power, while also encouraging domestic production of high-quality storage batteries.

Officials at the meeting informed that petroleum reserves in the country are currently sufficient and that the food security situation remains stable.

It was also informed that ongoing efforts by oil and gas companies are helping to increase local production.

The meeting was also informed that a PC-I is being prepared for two pilot projects focused on grid-level battery storage, while households producing solar energy are being encouraged to adopt battery storage systems.