November 2012 | Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE)
Monograph by Ziad Alahdad
In November, 2012, the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) hosted WORDE Specialist Ziad Alahdad for a launch of the monograph, “Pakistan Energy Sector: From Crisis to Crisis-Breaking the Chain” (published by PIDE, and available for purchase in Pakistan.)
The launch in Islamabad was well-attended by top policy makers, representatives of political parties, leaders of industry and civil society, leading academics, and post-graduate students.
In his address, Alahdad stated that the energy sector in Pakistan – a critical US ally in the fight against violent extremism – has become a primary constraint on the country’s economic development. However, he emphasized that the energy sector is not beyond repair. He stated, “If we believe that in every crisis there is opportunity, Pakistan, with its many crises, should have many opportunities.”
He recognized that Pakistan’s policy makers have been remarkably adept in articulating the overall objectives for energy policy within a national development context. “The problem is not what the objectives are but how they can be achieved”, Mr. Ziad Alahdad said. He further went on to state that overwhelming evidence from energy analysts points to the absence of coordinated policy formulation as a fundamental issue. He also introduced the concept of Integrated Energy Planning and Policy Formulation (IEP), a key focus of the monograph. Without IEP, he maintained, decision-making in the sector remains inherently flawed and shortsighted. Rather than offering prescriptive solutions, he advocated building Pakistan’s own capacity to facilitate sound policy decisions.
In “Pakistan Energy Sector: From Crisis to Crisis-Breaking the Chain,” Alahdad believes that the skills necessary for re-invigorating IEP are available locally and can be deployed rapidly. “Combined with the consolidation of policy institutions, a strengthened policy environment can emerge, capable of addressing Pakistan’s special energy issues, thereby paving the way to recovery in the sector and the economy as a whole.” He added, “With universal recognition of the crisis, the time to act is now.”
Additional press coverage:
• “Critical Situation: Call for Implementing Integrated Energy Policy,”
Business Recorder, November 28, 2012
• “Power Woes: ‘Political Will, Merger of Policy Bodies Inevitable to Resolve Energy Crisis,”
The Express Tribune, November 28, 2012
• “Energy Crisis Hurting Economy Badly: PIDE,”
The Nation, November 28, 2012
• “Energy Crisis Responsible for Low Economic Growth,”
Daily Times, November 28, 2012