In Pakistan, policy failures have led to an energy crisis despite the country’s past as an energy surplus nation. Misuse and mismanagement of resources, including the neglect of coal deposits, have contributed to the current situation. Dr. Farid A Malik, a former Chairman of the Pakistan Science Foundation, highlighted these issues in a recent article.
The United States, in contrast, responded to a fuel crisis by establishing a Department of Energy and exploring various energy options. Shale gas has emerged as an affordable energy source in the US. Meanwhile, India has announced a significant program focused on coal deposit gasification to meet its energy needs.
Dr. Malik expressed concerns about Pakistan’s non-competitive industries due to high fuel costs and underutilization of resources like Thar Coal. Despite the country’s energy potential, a lack of direction and mismanagement persist, leading to escalating circular debts. Dr. Malik emphasized the need for introspection and corrective actions to address the ongoing energy challenges.
