Sindh to host major energy and climate conference on November 3–4

Seven organisations have announced a two-day Sindh Energy and Climate Conference for November 3 and 4 bringing together policymakers energy specialists climate activists community representatives and political leaders to discuss the province’s energy challenges and future clean-power strategy.

KARACHI: Seven organisations have announced a two-day Sindh Energy and Climate Conference for November 3 and 4 bringing together policymakers energy specialists climate activists community representatives and political leaders to discuss the province’s energy challenges and future clean-power strategy.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah is expected to attend the second day of the event which organisers describe as a major gathering focused on energy policy renewable resources and climate action.

Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Wednesday Climate Action Centre Director Yasir Darya said Sindh supplied electricity to a substantial part of Pakistan but lacked a comprehensive energy policy addressing its own requirements.

He said the conference would explore how the province could develop a long-term strategy to meet growing energy needs over the next 20 to 25 years. Representatives of relevant government departments including the climate and labour ministries have confirmed their participation.

The conference is being organised by Sath Climate Action Centre Karachi, the Civil Society Support Programme Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation, The Knowledge Forum, Indus Consortium and the Pakistan Research Institute for Energy and Development (PRIED).

The programme will feature 10 sessions addressing electricity access climate justice reducing dependence on fossil fuels decentralised energy systems wind and solar power zero-emission transport and climate financing.

Darya questioned why the rapid expansion of solar energy had not delivered greater benefits to local communities particularly people who still lacked reliable electricity. He also raised concerns about the slower-than-expected development of Pakistan’s electric vehicle sector despite more than 100 manufacturing licences reportedly being issued over the previous 18 months.

The discussions will examine obstacles to wider wind energy adoption and explore measures to prepare for extreme heat during the next summer. Organisers also want to identify why climate funding does not always reach communities at the local level, including in Karachi and other parts of Sindh.

PRIED representative Mehwish Laghari highlighted the financial pressure on rural households seeking access to solar electricity. She said some villagers were purchasing solar panels through instalment plans at prices approaching three times the usual cost.

Laghari called for government subsidies to make solar equipment more affordable arguing that families should not have to sell valuable possessions to obtain basic renewable energy facilities.

Zeenia Shaukat of The Knowledge Forum identified coal dependence as a major challenge to Pakistan’s clean energy transition. She said Sindh’s significant role in coal-based power production gave the province an important position in determining the country’s future energy direction.

The conference will also feature cultural events highlighting local perspectives on climate change. A Sindhi literary session focusing on climate issues is planned for the end of the first day followed by a performance from musicians from Tharparkar on the second day.

Organisers say the gathering aims to develop practical recommendations for cleaner energy improve access to electricity and ensure that climate policies benefit communities across Sindh rather than leaving vulnerable populations behind.