KARACHI: State Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Jam Kamal chaired a meeting on Expo Astana-2017 at the Trade and Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Headquarters in which TDAP Secretary Rabiya Javeri Agha along with other senior officers also participated.
The minister was informed that Pakistan Pavilion, being set up by TDAP at the Future Energy Expo 2017, would present a unique blend of low/zero carbon footprint methodologies drawn from Pakistan’s rich heritage and vernacular traditions. The overarching theme ‘Nurturing the Past for a Sustainable Future’ aims to portray futuristic concepts for the 21st century taking into account issues confronted by marginalised sections of society.
The pavilion would incorporate low-cost solutions for reduction in quantum of energy usage, along with use of renewable energy sources for the well being and development of the country with particular emphasis on low income populace and women. The pavilion is designed to encompass and reconnoiter approaches for those at the bottom of the pyramid to achieve a better quality of life. As is known, most of the energy used by the underprivileged, particularly women, is for cooking and heating. The use of widely available inappropriate biomass further adds to environmental degradation and have adverse affects on the health of women and children. The exhibits would provide low- cost efficient methods for cooking and heating, which are essential if the quality of life for the marginalised is to be improved. As part of response to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focus on low-cost clean drinking water would portray the use of renewable energy sources for public good.
Minister Jam Kamal directed the pavilion to express the resolve of Pakistan for devising ways to ensure efficient use of limited energy available to achieve a better quality of life for marginalised sections of society. He said many aspects of energy usage for the poor are derived from methodologies found in Pakistan’s own heritage and vernacular traditions.
The pavilion and the exhibits have been designed to impart the importance of culture in lives of all and particularly those that are sidelined. The theme is built around the essential linkage with the past and the importance of nurturing the past for a sustainable future.
Trade and Development Authority of Pakistan, in collaboration with Heritage Foundation of Pakistan, Mukhtar Enterprises Studio for Architecture (MESA), Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners is setting up the Astana Pavilion Village (APV) at Makli Goth, in December 2016 and January 2017. The aim is to engage university students, architects and other interested professionals, along with master artisans to join hands in fabricating elements for the Astana Pavilion, Kazakhstan.
APV would provide a unique learning opportunity through a collaborative effort regarding critical aspects for lowering the carbon footprint. Once assembled in Astana, TDAP pavilion would portray the hard work by the youth and artisans of the country to showcase the commitment of Pakistan towards climate change impact and its resolve to provide its significant share in shaping the future of the world.