Pakistan’sEnergyCrisis-FederationofAmericanScientists.pdfVIP

Pakistan’s Energy Crisis Keeping the Lights on: Fixing Pakistan’s Energy Crisis By Ravi Patel and Nelson Zhao Legal and illegal power connections in Lahore, Pakistan1 A stable and thriving Pakistan is the key to preserving harmony and facilitating progress in the broader South Asia region. Afghanistan, which is to the west of Pakistan, has a long border that divides the Pakhtun people between the countries. As a result of this border, Pakistan not only has a significant role in the Afghan economy, but instability in the loosely governed Pakistani frontier region spills across the border into Afghanistan. Because of this relationship, Pakistan has a direct impact on 1 Personal Photograph. 2013. Public Interest Report | Spring 2014 – Volume 67 Number 2 Pakistan’s Energy Crisis the outcome on the 13 year U.S. led war in Afghanistan. On the other hand, an unstable Pakistan would not only shatter budding trade relations with India, but could also spark conflict between the two nuclear armed rivals. From frequent attacks by Islamic militants across the country to a slowing economy, it is clear that there are many issues that threaten Pakistan’s stability. However, the most pressing issue that Pakistan faces today is its deteriorating economy. In particular, a crushing energy shortage across the country significantly constrains economic growth. This fiscal year, Pakistan’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is forecasted to grow by measly 3.4 percent.2 At the same time, the country’s population is expected to grow by 1.8 percent adding to the 189 million people living there today.3 If there aren’t jobs available for the millions of young Pakistanis entering the work force, not only will poverty increase, but there is a strong possibly that some of these youth could vent their frustrations by joining the