Overview

The Centre for Peace, Security and Developmental Studies (CPSD) hosted a national seminar titled “Energy Security Policy: Thinking Beyond the Norm”, bringing together experts from government, academia, and the energy sector to examine Pakistan’s energy challenges and strategic policy alternatives. The seminar aimed to foster dialogue on conservation, diversification, and long-term sustainability of Pakistan’s energy mix.

Chief Guests

• Dr. Shamshad Akhtar — Former Governor, State Bank of Pakistan & Federal Minister (Inaugural Session)

• General Zubair Mahmood Hayat NI(M) — Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) (Closing Session)

Inaugural Address

• Lt. Gen. Agha M. Umer Farooq (Retd.) HI(M) — President, CPSD
  Emphasized the importance of consumer behavior change, conservation efforts, and promoting the use of indigenous energy sources in the national fuel mix.

Keynote Address

• Dr. Samar Mubarakmand — Renowned Nuclear Scientist
  Delivered a keynote speech focusing on Pakistan’s energy security prospects and the role of nuclear energy and innovation in national energy policy.

Working Sessions

The seminar featured three technical sessions chaired by leading industry professionals:

1. Water and Power
   Chair: Mr. Ghias Khan — CEO, Engro Corporation

2. Oil and Gas
   Chair: Ms. Uzma Adil Khan — Chairperson, OGRA

3. Renewable and Alternative Energy
   Chair: Mr. Amjad Ali Awan — CEO, Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB)

Distinguished Speakers and Panelists

• Lt. Gen. Muzammil Hussain (Retd.) — Chairman, WAPDA

• Mr. Asad Ali Shah — Chairman, Board of Directors, PRL

• Mr. Sarim Sheikh — CEO, GE Pakistan

• Mr. Syed Shabbar Zaidi — Former Provincial Minister

• Mr. Syed Zawar Haidar — CEO, Oil Companies Advisory Council

• Mr. Muhammad Naeem — Chairman, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission

Speakers discussed sectoral reforms, investment challenges, regulatory evolution, and innovative solutions to address Pakistan’s chronic energy shortages.

Closing Session

• Mr. Sohail Wajahat — Former Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources
  Synthesized the proceedings and called for the establishment of an Integrated Energy Authority to ensure coordinated and long-term planning. He also highlighted the crucial role of human capital development in the energy sector.

• Mr. Abdullah Dadabhoy — Chairman, CPSD
  Appreciated the contributions of all speakers and participants, reinforcing CPSD’s commitment to creating impactful policy dialogue platforms.

• General Zubair Mahmood Hayat NI(M) — CJCSC
  In his address, emphasized that affordable and sustainable energy is essential to lifting Pakistan out of economic instability. He advocated for self-sufficiency and energy independence, commending CPSD for hosting the timely discourse.

Participants

The seminar was attended by:

• Prominent energy experts and policymakers

• Members of the business community and diplomatic corps

• Government officials, academics, researchers, and students