Pakistan’s Solar Revolution and Security Concerns
Who is involved
In recent years, Pakistan has been at a crossroads, balancing its energy needs with security challenges. Historically, the country has relied heavily on fossil fuels, with only a small fraction of its energy mix coming from renewable sources. In 2020, solar energy accounted for just 2.9% of the total energy mix, leaving many households dependent on expensive and polluting diesel and gas. However, a remarkable shift is underway, as the nation embraces solar power, which is now projected to account for 32.3% of the energy mix by 2025.
The decisive moment for Pakistan’s energy landscape came with the introduction of a net-metering policy in 2015, which allowed households to generate their own solar power and sell excess energy back to the grid. As of 2025, a quarter of Pakistani households are expected to utilize solar panels, with over 280,000 consumers already benefiting from net-metering. The price of solar panels has plummeted to about 30 rupees ($0.10) per watt, making renewable energy more accessible than ever.
This solar boom has not only empowered households but has also led to significant economic benefits. Since 2018, Pakistan has saved more than $12 billion in fuel imports, a crucial development for a country that has struggled with economic challenges. As Karim Baksh, a local solar panel user, stated, “Now, I don’t care if the prices of diesel increase.” This sentiment reflects a growing confidence in renewable energy as a viable alternative.
However, alongside this positive narrative, Pakistan faces pressing security concerns. Recently, Uttar Pradesh Police arrested four suspected handlers of an ISI-linked terror module in Lucknow, who were allegedly planning to trigger blasts at important locations, including railway stations. The head of the gang, Saquib, was reportedly in contact with his Pakistani handlers through social media, raising alarms about the potential for cross-border terrorism.
Pakistan Senator Mushahid Hussain has voiced concerns regarding the implications of the growing relationship between India and the UAE, suggesting that friendly ties with the UAE do not necessarily align with Pakistan’s national interests. He remarked, “Friendly ties with them do not land you up as part of Akhand Bharat,” highlighting the delicate balance Pakistan must maintain in its foreign relations.
As Pakistan prepares to repay approximately $3.5 billion to the UAE, which was extended in 2019, the financial strain adds another layer of complexity to the nation’s challenges. The government has also reduced the buyback rate for new net-metering users to about 10 rupees ($0.036) per unit, which may impact the growth of the solar market moving forward.
Experts like Rabia Babar emphasize that Pakistan’s solar revolution wasn’t orchestrated by policymakers in Islamabad but rather emerged organically from the grassroots level. “Pakistan’s solar revolution wasn’t planned in Islamabad – it was built on rooftops,” she noted, underscoring the community-driven nature of this energy transformation. The influx of affordable solar technology, particularly from China, has been pivotal in changing the renewable energy sector across developing countries.
As Pakistan navigates these dual narratives of energy innovation and security threats, the community remains hopeful that the advancements in solar energy can provide not only a sustainable future but also a measure of stability in a region fraught with challenges. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full impact of these developments, but the resilience of the Pakistani people continues to shine through as they adapt to an evolving landscape.
