KARACHI, April 17, 2026 — Khurram Ijaz, General Secretary of Businessmen Panel Progressive (BMPP) and former Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), has expressed serious concern over the growing electricity shortfall in the country, warning that it is not only making life difficult for the general public but also posing significant risks to industrial output and economic stability.
Reacting to the latest official figures, he noted that the electricity shortfall has surged to around 3,400 megawatts. He highlighted that power demand has shown sharp volatility during April, rising from nearly 9,000 megawatts to approximately 20,000 megawatts on April 15.
“The surge in electricity demand during the summer season was entirely predictable, and the government should have proactively planned to bridge the gap,” Ijaz said.
He pointed out that the situation has been further aggravated by constraints in fuel availability, particularly amid limited LNG supplies due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East and shortages of furnace oil.
“In times of crisis, reliance on limited fuel sources exposes vulnerabilities in our energy planning. The government must urgently identify and develop alternative energy resources,” he stressed.
Ijaz called for immediate policy support to promote renewable energy, especially solar power.
“Regulatory hurdles in solar energy must be eased, and imports of solar panels along with local manufacturing should be facilitated on a fast-track basis,” he urged.
He also emphasized the importance of utilizing indigenous coal and expanding the overall energy mix.
“A diversified energy strategy — including coal, wind, solar, and nuclear — is essential to ensure long-term energy security and system resilience,” he added.
Highlighting industrial challenges, Ijaz said businesses are already struggling with high electricity tariffs, gas shortages, heavy taxation, and regulatory constraints.
“Electricity is the lifeline of industry. Without reliable power supply, production declines, leading to unemployment and increased poverty,” he warned.
He urged policymakers to adopt a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to energy management to support sustainable economic growth.