Pakistan’s expanding domestic energy production is helping the country reduce its dependence on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), providing a buffer against potential disruptions in global supply chains. Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari stated that the country’s increasing reliance on indigenous energy resources has strengthened the resilience of its electricity system amid rising geopolitical uncertainties.

According to the minister, Pakistan has significantly increased electricity generation from domestic sources including hydropower, solar, wind, nuclear energy, and locally mined coal. These indigenous sources now account for nearly three-quarters of the country’s power generation, marking a major shift away from imported fuels.

The government aims to further expand the share of domestic power generation in the coming decade as part of a broader strategy to enhance energy security and reduce exposure to volatile international fuel markets. Officials say that continued investment in renewable energy projects and hydropower infrastructure is expected to play a key role in achieving this target.

Solar energy has emerged as one of the fastest-growing components of Pakistan’s power landscape. The rapid adoption of rooftop solar systems across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors has significantly reduced daytime demand from the national grid. Analysts estimate that distributed solar installations have added substantial capacity to the country’s overall energy mix, easing pressure on traditional power plants.

Despite the progress in local energy development, LNG continues to play an important role in Pakistan’s electricity system, particularly during peak evening hours when solar generation declines and electricity demand increases. Gas-fired power plants remain essential for maintaining grid stability and meeting short-term fluctuations in consumption.

Officials note, however, that the increasing share of domestic resources has provided the government with greater flexibility in managing LNG imports. As a result, authorities have been able to reduce reliance on certain scheduled LNG cargoes due to lower-than-expected demand for imported fuel.

Pakistan’s power sector has undergone significant transformation in recent years, driven by efforts to diversify energy sources and shift toward more sustainable and locally available options. Hydropower projects, renewable energy installations, and nuclear facilities are gradually expanding the country’s generation capacity while reducing exposure to external supply shocks.

Energy planners are also exploring advanced storage technologies that could store surplus solar power generated during the day and release it during peak demand hours in the evening. Such solutions are expected to improve grid stability and further support Pakistan’s transition toward cleaner and more reliable energy systems.

While authorities remain confident that domestic capacity can cushion the impact of potential LNG supply interruptions, officials acknowledge that extreme scenarios could still lead to limited and temporary power shortages during high-demand periods, particularly in the summer months.

Overall, the government views the continued expansion of indigenous and renewable energy sources as a critical step toward achieving long-term energy independence, improving economic stability, and ensuring reliable electricity supply for the country’s growing population and industries.