KARACHI – Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat NI(M) said the energy security is becoming a crucial part of the national security, which is paramount for a nation state.
Addressing as a chief guest at the seminar on Energy Security Policy: Thinking Beyond the Norm organized by Centre for Peace, Security and Developmental Studies (CPSD) held at Movenpick Hotel, said the energy security belongs to national security, geo-strategy and geo-economics for a country.
The country should identify the weakness and potential in the energy sector for truly resolving its issues and challenges which lies in multidimensional strategic areas, he said adding the energy is the primary tool for social and economic development of the country.
The commitments of the energy producer and habits of consumers need to be changed throughout the country to encourage conservation, efficiency, and a fuel mix comprising indigenous resources. This was stated by Lt Gen Agha M Umer Farooq (retd) HI(M), President Centre for Peace, Security and Developmental Studies (CPSD) while in his inaugural address at the seminar.
The energy sector should chalk out a uniform and long-term policy and progress ahead with the collaboration of all stakeholders including consumers to significantly make its contribution towards the economy on sustainable basis, he said.
Former Governor State Bank and Federal Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhatar and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Zubair Mahmood Hayat NI(M) attended the inaugural and closing sessions respectively as the Chief Guests. Experts from the energy sector and governmental officials deliberated on the different dimensions of the subject.
Dr. Samar Mubarakmand, renowned nuclear scientist, presented a keynote speech during the inaugural session and shared his thoughts on the energy security prospects in Pakistan.
Seminar comprised three working sessions focused on Water and Power, Oil and Gas, and Renewable and Alternative Energy. Ghias Khan, CEO ENGRO Corp, Ms. Uzma Adil Khan, Chairperson OGRA, Mr. Amjad Ali Awan, CEO Alternative Energy Development Board chaired the first, second and third working sessions respectively.
During the proceedings of the seminar Lt. Gen Muzammil Hussain (Retd.), Chairman WAPDA, Mr. Asad Ali Shah, Chairman Board of Directors PRL, and Mr. Sarim Sheikh, CEO GE Pakistan presented keynote addresses and enlightened the participants with various challenges and opportunities in the energy sector of Pakistan. Moreover, Syed Shabbar Zaidi, former Provincial Minister, Syed Zawar Haidar, CEO, Oil Companies Advisory Council and Mr. Muhammad Naeem, Chairman, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission also spoke on the occasion.
During the closing session, Former Federal Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources Mr. Sohail Wajahat underscored the need for an Integrated Energy Authority for long term sustainability of Pakistan’s energy requirements.
He further underscored the importance of human resource development for a prosperous future.
Chairman CPSD Mr. Abdullah Dadabhoy applauded and acknowledged speakers for their knowledgeable presentations. He also appreciated the participants of the seminar for their valuable input during the discourse.
The event was attended by various prominent dignitaries from energy sector, business community, diplomatic corps, government officials, intellectuals, researchers and students.
