No it’s not terrorism. Nor is it rampant corruption or poverty in the country. A recent survey conducted by the International Republican Institute (IRI) points out that the persistent energy crisis in Pakistan is giving sleepless nights to the citizens. About 42 percent of the survey respondents rate power shortage as the most worrying problem in their lives. It was trailed by inflation (21 percent), unemployment (12 percent) and terrorism (10 percent). The country’s worsening law and order situation, and the poverty trap, remained low on the concerns of Pakistanis.
The survey results also shed light on the performance of ruling PML-N party, which was recently elected in May in a smooth transition of power from one democratically elected government to the other. While about one-third of the respondents expressed their displeasure at the performance of the government, an overwhelming 58 percent were satisfied with its actions. Yet, about 81 percent of the respondents believed that Pakistan is heading in the wrong direction. While the results may seem contradictory, they point out that the Nawaz Sharif-led government needs to set its priorities straight and take all countrymen into confidence when devising future strategies to counter the prevailing emergencies. This would require building a national consensus around controversial energy projects that may pave the way for a bright future but are hanging in the balance due to vested political interests or other misconceptions.
It is a positive sign that the government of Pakistan is prioritizing resolution of energy-related issues and developing a roadmap for the long-term. The Pakistan National Framework seeks to reduce reliance on imported furnace oil and tap the potential of other alternative, cheap energy sources. The government is committed to overcoming the issues of circular debt, line and distribution losses, and promoting a culture of energy conservation to sustain its energy-related initiatives. The authorities have also won the confidence of global investors and other governments to overcome the energy crisis. Brazil, Russia and China have expressed their willingness to help Pakistan cope with its energy issues if it relaxes conditions for participation in larger projects. While Pakistan has capacity to generate electricity to not only meet domestic needs but also export it to neighboring countries, the government should focus its efforts on the development of technology and a climate conducive to investment so as to harness this potential.
There is no doubt that energy crisis leads to a host of other problems that include inflation and unemployment. Removal of energy subsidies in recent months to comply with tough conditions set by IMF for a new bailout package has led to sharp increases in power tariff. As a result, Pakistan-based export-oriented industries have become uncompetitive in the global market and shed several thousand jobs. Increase in fuel prices have also subsequently led to an inflationary trend and widened the gulf between the rich and poor. The risk of social deprivation boiling into mass civil protests remains omnipresent and could possibly lead to downfall of the government. It is vital that Pakistan continues to focus on the energy crisis and take concrete measures to address the grave situation.
