The country has once again raised a valid and timely demand on the global stage. Speaking at the International Renewable Energy Agency assembly in Abu Dhabi, the prime minister’s aide on climate change urged international partners to increase concessional financing for developing countries. Pakistan’s case is strong.
The country has quietly emerged as one of the fastest growing solar markets in the world. With more than 18 gigawatts of solar capacity already in place and renewables producing over half of total electricity last year, progress is visible. These numbers show that when opportunity meets urgency, change is possible.
Climate change, energy insecurity and economic pressure are hitting developing countries hardest. Affordable loans, grants and technical support are not favours; they are necessary tools for global climate justice. Pakistan’s call for treating technologies like energy storage and green hydrogen as global public goods also makes sense. Clean energy cannot remain the privilege of rich nations alone.
However, while Pakistan seeks concessional funding from the world, it must also look inward. Millions of people in Pakistan have invested their own savings in solar panels. They did so to escape high electricity bills and unreliable supply. Yet, instead of rewarding these people, recent policy signals have created uncertainty.
Changes in net metering rules and pricing structures risk discouraging further investment in rooftop solar. If the government truly wants to boost clean energy, it must introduce a clear and fair concessional regime for solar users at home. Incentives such as stable net metering rates, tax relief on solar equipment, easy financing and protection from sudden policy shifts are not giveaways.
They are investments in energy security. Encouraging households, small businesses and farmers to produce clean energy reduces pressure on the national grid. It lowers fuel imports, saves foreign exchange and cuts emissions. Most importantly, it empowers people to become part of the solution. So, our demand for concessional finance abroad is justified. But for the clean energy transition to succeed, the same spirit of support must be extended at home. *