Centre for Peace, Security and Developmental Studies (CPSD), organized a national seminar on “Energy Security Policy: Thinking Beyond the Norm” on 3 December 2018 at Movenpick Hotel Karachi. Former Governor State Bank and Federal Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhatar and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Zubair Mahmood Hayat NI(M)graced 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.
During the seminar President CPSD, Lt Gen Agha M Umer Farooq (retd) HI(M) welcomed the participants in his inaugural address and highlighted the significance of the subject. He emphasized that commitments of the energy producer and habits of consumers need to be changed to encourage conservation, efficiency, and a fuel mix comprising indigenous resources. 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. UzmaAdil 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 ZawarHaidar, 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, integrated the proceedings of the day. In his address, he highlighted 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. In his concluding remarks, the Chief Guest CJCSC General Zubair Mahmood Hayat NI (M) appreciated efforts of CPSD for organizing the seminar which provided a platform to probe core issues of energy sector in Pakistan. The event was attended by various prominent dignitaries from energy sector, business community, diplomatic corps, government officials, intellectuals, researchers and students.