Shehbaz reviews energy planning, exports and youth programme projects

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reviewed long-term electricity planning and export strategy, saying Pakistan had not faced an electricity shortage despite disruptions in oil supplies linked to the regional situation, while also directing faster progress on key projects and broader international cooperation.

During a meeting on the power sector and exports, the prime minister instructed the relevant authorities to speed up work on the Battery Energy Storage System project, describing it as important for maintaining stability in electricity supply as Pakistan increases its reliance on renewable energy.

He said solar power and other renewable sources were the future of the electricity sector. Officials told the meeting that 55% of the country’s electricity is currently being produced from renewable sources, while 45% comes from fossil fuels. They said planning was under way to increase the renewable share to 90% over the next 10 years, a move aimed at cutting dependence on imported fuel.

Shehbaz said that although oil supplies had been affected by the tense regional environment, the country had avoided an energy crisis because of the rising role of renewable energy. He directed officials to prepare a comprehensive national strategy for the further expansion of clean energy generation.

Exports and shipping arrangements

The meeting also examined export performance in the current international environment. The prime minister said exports to Gulf countries were continuing despite global tensions and said this had been made possible through diplomatic efforts that helped keep trade flows intact under difficult circumstances.

He directed the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation to arrange more vessels to support an increase in exports through sea routes. Officials informed the meeting that demand for Pakistani agricultural products in Gulf markets was rising. The meeting was also told that diplomatic efforts were continuing to further ease exports.

Youth programme implementation

In a separate meeting, the prime minister directed authorities to accelerate implementation of projects being carried out under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme. He described young people as the future of the country and said employment, education and technical training remained among the government’s top priorities.

He said the government was working to help Pakistani youth become a competitive workforce in the international market. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, chairman of the programme, briefed the prime minister on progress in different initiatives focused on skills development and creating opportunities for young people.

Cooperation with Turkiye on judicial digitisation

Shehbaz also stressed the value of international cooperation, particularly with Turkiye, in strengthening judicial systems through digital technology. During a meeting with a delegation led by Kadir Ozkaya, president of Turkiye’s Constitutional Court, he highlighted the scope for cooperation aimed at improving access to speedy justice.

The prime minister’s meetings on Tuesday covered energy security, export continuity, youth development and judicial cooperation, with directions issued for faster implementation and longer-term planning in each area.