"Charting a Sustainable Path: The Green Industrial Revolution in Pakistan"

Pakistan being one of the most vulnerable countries to globalization despite of its minimal contributions in the green house gas emissions (i-e less than 1%) is still focusing on the policy of integrated strategies for a sustainable future. During 17-18 October 2023 a conference was held by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)on the theme of industrialization in Pakistan focusing on the strategies for sustainable tomorrow. But dealing with the climatic consequences it is also important to focus on the agriculture as an industrial enterprise and should be planned and organized as such.

Agriculture serves as a cornerstone of the industrial landscape in Pakistan, contributing significantly to the nation's economy and offering livelihoods to a substantial portion of the population. The sector encompasses a mix of traditional and modern farming practices, with crops like wheat, rice, cotton, and sugarcane being key drivers of economic growth.

Modernization, mechanization, and biotechnological advancements have improved agricultural productivity, although challenges like water scarcity, land fragmentation, and climate change persist. Agribusiness and value addition are gaining prominence, with a focus on exports and sustainable farming practices.

Agriculture as an industrial enterprise in Pakistan continues to evolve, balancing tradition with modernity to secure its central role in the nation's economic growth and food security.

Along with the improvements in the agriculture sector to cope up with the climate impacts, we have to modify our transportation and energy sector as well by shifting towards the cheap renewable energy sources considering it a pre-requisite for green industrialization.

According to Economic Survey of Pakistan 2022-2023 ,Government of Pakistan envisions focusing on indigenous energy sources, primarily hydel, solar, wind, and Thar coal. In this regard, it is paramount to note that the share of alternative and renewable energy sources (AREs) has also increased from zero percent in FY2014 to 6.8 percent of the electricity’s installed capacity in the current fiscal year due to the right direction of policies. However, there is still potential for AREs to contribute more to the national energy supply and ensure affordable and universal access to electricity. The government is also committed to protecting the national interest by producing low-cost indigenous power.

The country’s total installed electricity capacity stands at 41,000 MW among which the percentage share of renewable is 25.8 percent. On the other hand, against total electricity generation of 94,121 GWh, the share of hydel, nuclear, and renewable is combined as 53.8 percent, which is a good sign for the economy and the environment.

Alternative Energy Development Board

The government is working to bring transformational change in the power system to ensure affordability, sustainability, energy security, and universal energy access. Accordingly, the government prioritizes utilizing indigenous, clean energy generation resources and encouraging alternative and renewable technology.

In July 2023, National Adaptation Plan (NAP) spanning from 2023 to 2030 also aimed to enhance resilient development, mitigate risk, foster collaboration, ensure inclusivity, fulfil global commitment and promote sustainable growth to ensure equitable outcomes.

In addition we must focus on the carbon credit market. Such environmental and rehabilitation upliftment projects must be launched to boost the carbon credits.

It is observed that focusing on such policies and framework where alternative energy sources are prioritized, will bring a remarkable change in the industrial sector and will also explore the green industrialization in Pakistan and will ensure the future of coming generations to be more sustainable and bright.