Empowering Change: Pre-COP 30 ‘Pak-C2 Energy Transition Dialogue’ Calls for Urgent Regional Cooperation on Clean Energy

The Pak-C2 Energy Transition Dialogue, held in Islamabad as part of the Pre-COP 30 events, brought together high-level policymakers, climate experts, and energy specialists from Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to chart a collective path toward a low-carbon and sustainable energy future.

Hosted by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), the dialogue—titled “Challenges & Prospects”—was a key milestone before the COP 30 climate summit in Brazil. It underscored the urgent need for regional cooperation to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and accelerate renewable energy transitions in the Pak-C2 region.

Senator Sherry Rehman’s Powerful Call for Unity

In a passionate keynote address, Senator Sherry Rehman, Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, emphasized the dire climate reality confronting Pakistan.

“Pakistan is among the world’s hottest countries, with temperatures soaring above 53°C, yet our contribution to global emissions remains less than 1%,” she stated.

She highlighted that half of Pakistan’s households have turned to solar energy independently, reflecting the nation’s determination. However, without efficient power grids, affordable financing, and coordinated policy planning, progress remains fragmented.

Rehman criticized the staggering $7 trillion in global fossil fuel subsidies, calling them a major barrier to equitable climate action. She urged Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to collaborate through multilateral climate platforms to unlock technology transfer, innovation, and financial resources for clean energy projects.

“Regional energy cooperation is not just an option—it is our survival strategy,” Rehman said, receiving a standing ovation.

IRS President Recalls Pakistan’s Role in Global Climate Talks

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of the Institute of Regional Studies, shared his reflections from the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, noting that Pakistan had played an early role in shaping global climate policy.

He said Pakistan continues to face melting glaciers, deforestation, and urban air pollution, urging that “these challenges must be confronted head-on, despite limited resources.”

Ambassador Saleem stressed that deeper collaboration with energy-rich Central Asia could help Pakistan diversify its energy mix and achieve sustainable economic growth.

Pakistan’s Ambitious Climate Goals and Clean Energy Progress

Representing the Pakistan Climate Change Authority (PCCA), Mr. Saadullah Ayaz, Member (Mitigation), discussed the country’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets under the Paris Agreement.

He announced that Pakistan aims for a 30% reduction in emissions and a 30% transition to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030.

Engr. Khuda Bakhsh, CEO of the Engineering Development Board (EDB), added that Pakistan has already registered 5,000 electric vehicles and is advancing local solar panel and lithium-ion battery production—a major leap toward energy independence.

“This is not just an energy shift—it’s an industrial revolution,” said Engr. Bakhsh.

(External Link: UNFCCC – Pakistan’s Updated NDC Submission)

Regional Perspectives: Learning from Central Asia’s Energy Models

Dr. Nikita Illeritsky of the Russian Academy of Sciences offered comparative insights into Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan’s energy transitions, highlighting that both countries remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels but are diversifying toward renewables and green hydrogen.

He cautioned that while clean energy transitions are essential, they must align with national economic realities. For countries like Pakistan, he said, “regional trade in clean energy can accelerate mutual growth.”

Kazakhstan’s vast solar and wind potential, paired with Pakistan’s industrial capacity, could enable a powerful energy corridor connecting Central Asia to South Asia.

Private Sector’s Role in Driving Innovation

Mr. Muhammad Faisal Sharif from the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) revealed that 54% of Pakistan’s current energy mix now comes from clean sources, marking steady progress toward decarbonization.

He emphasized that social inclusion, local innovation, and cross-border cooperation are key to sustaining momentum.

Sharif also encouraged public-private partnerships (PPPs) to attract green investments, particularly in solar manufacturing, EV infrastructure, and energy-efficient technologies.

(External Link: Pakistan Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB))

Why Regional Cooperation is Essential for Energy Transition

Experts at the dialogue agreed that collective regional strategies and equitable climate finance are crucial to driving sustainable growth.

Countries in the Pak-C2 region face common challenges—such as volatile energy prices, limited grid connectivity, and financing barriers—but also share enormous renewable potential in solar, wind, and hydropower.

A regional clean energy alliance could:

• Facilitate cross-border energy trade
• Reduce dependence on imported fuels
• Boost green technology transfer
• Enhance energy security for millions

This would also help all three nations leverage climate finance mechanisms under COP 30 frameworks, aligning regional priorities with global climate goals.

Conclusion: Building a Shared Clean Energy Future

The Pre-COP 30 Pak-C2 Energy Transition Dialogue served as a powerful reminder that climate resilience and energy security cannot be achieved in isolation.

As Senator Sherry Rehman aptly concluded, “The path to a sustainable future is regional, not national.”

For Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, the dialogue marked a turning point—a commitment to shared prosperity, innovation, and green growth through collective action.

If the commitments made in Islamabad translate into tangible projects, the Pak-C2 region could emerge as a regional clean energy hub by 2030, powering both economic transformation and climate resilience.