Convener of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Committee on Food, Shahid Imran, on Sunday said Pakistan could unlock inclusive low-carbon growth by harnessing its vast renewable energy resources, promoting climate-smart agriculture and adopting innovative green financing mechanisms.
Talking to a delegation of progressive farmers led by Maj (Retd) Muhammad Raza Arain here, he said Pakistan possessed abundant solar and wind resources, extensive agricultural residues and a young workforce, yet continued to face energy insecurity and climate-related challenges.
He said the quickest and most effective step was the expansion of distributed solar energy, adding that rooftop solar systems and agrivoltaics could reduce transmission losses, free grid capacity and provide stable income opportunities for farmers. Coupled with net metering, concessional microloans and local manufacturing, such initiatives could significantly boost adoption and create employment opportunities, he added.
Shahid Imran said agriculture could transform waste into economic value through biogas production, biofertilizers and drip irrigation technologies, while mangrove restoration and climate-smart crops could strengthen environmental resilience and generate carbon-related economic benefits. He stressed the importance of green financing instruments, including sovereign sustainability bonds, diaspora green sukuk and results-based grants, to reduce investment risks and attract capital for sustainable projects.