Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), NEECA and Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA) organnised a panel discussion ‘Catalysing Pakistan’s Energy Transition: Pathways to a Sustainable Future’, at the Pakistan Pavilion. Speakers were Dr Sardar Mohazzam MD, National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA), Ministry of Energy (Power Division) Pakistan, Janet Milongo, Sr Manager CAN Energy Transition, Dr. Rishikesh Bhandary of Boston University, consulting group, Dr Khalid Waleed SDPI, and Sanjay Vashist, Director of CANSA.

The session emphasized the urgent need to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Dr. Waleed warned of export risks under the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, as Pakistan’s carbon-intensive grid threatens competitiveness. Dr. Bhandary (Boston University) highlighted retiring coal plants to earn carbon credits for clean energy. Dr Mohazzam (NEECA) introduced the Fan Replacement Program, promoting energy efficiency via On-Bill Financing. Experts including Sanjay Vashist, called for renewable energy adoption, export-led growth, and initiatives like a “Just Energy Transition Working Group” to ensure sustainability, resilience, and economic competitiveness.