Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting today at the Petroleum Division headquarters in Islamabad on Wednesday morning, emphasizing the urgent need to accelerate Pakistan's energy diversification efforts.

During the meeting, the prime minister highlighted: "We need to focus on promoting alternative energy sources, especially solar energy."

He also underscored the critical importance of Thar coal to Pakistan's energy landscape, directing officials to devise a comprehensive strategy for its gasification and calling it of utmost importance to Pakistan's energy needs. He further instructed the initiation of necessary steps for enhancing railway infrastructure to facilitate access to Thar coal and integrate it with other regions across the country.

Key discussions centred on advancements and proposals within Pakistan's petroleum and gas sectors. Officials highlighted Pakistan's status as the fifth most affected country by climate change despite its low carbon footprint. Measures were detailed to mitigate these effects through the promotion of alternative energy products and the development of a robust action plan to increase tight gas production.

Plans were discussed to deploy smart meters aimed at preventing theft along oil and gas pipelines. Additionally, ongoing efforts were revealed in formulating policies for electric bikes, vehicles, and household products, alongside proposals for deregulating the petroleum sector and digitizing the oil and gas exploration process.

The meeting also addressed strategies to bolster competitiveness in the petroleum and gas sectors and ramp up local oil and gas production. Commitments were made to foster the use of biofuels as part of Pakistan's energy strategy.

Among those present at the meeting were Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik, Federal Minister for Power Awais Ahmed Leghari, Prime Minister's Coordinator Rana Ehsan Afzal, and other senior government officials.