What's stopping Pakistan from making the transition to renewable energy?

How does Pakistan stack up against its South Asian neighbors on renewable energy adoption?

Globally, renewable energy adoption has accelerated over the past decade, with SA players such as India and Bangladesh leading the charge.

Although Pakistan harbors great potential for installation of renewables such as solar, wind and hydropower, utilisation is still very low, and there is a serious lack of grid adaptation, financial frameworks and policies built to support the transition to renewables.

In Front Seat To Climate Change, Dr Aazir Khan, director of the Integrated Engineering Center of Excellence University of Lahore, breaks down Pakistan’s position and progress in the regional race for renewable adoption.

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As Pakistan confronts the accelerating realities of climate change, the urgency to move from awareness to action has never been greater.

Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, Pakistan remains among the most climate-vulnerable nations, underscoring the critical need for coordinated, locally grounded, and globally informed responses.

The Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference 2026 on May 6 and 7 brings together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from across sectors to examine these intersecting challenges and chart a path forward.

See the agenda here.