Comprehensive Analysis of Pakistan’s Energy Security Landscape Unveiled

Dr. Qurratulaen Liaqat, Associate Professor at Forman Christian College, provided a comprehensive review, emphasizing the book’s practicality and significance across various disciplines. Dr. Asia Mukhtar, Assistant Professor at Kinnaird College for Women, Pakistan, has authored a compelling book that delves into Pakistan’s energy policies.

Dr. Mukhtar draws on extensive field research, data from WAPDA officials, and qualitative case studies, offering a cohesive analysis of Pakistan’s energy sector. The book advocates for a robust energy security policy in Pakistan, addressing a critical gap in policymaking.

The book serves as a valuable handbook, presenting key theories such as Realism, Neorealism, Liberalism, and Neoliberalism, and introduces the concept of ‘Energy Security’ within the realm of International Relations, exploring its implications for Pakistan and the broader South Asian region.

A significant highlight is the critique of energy sector policies (2013-2018), examining efficiency, competition, affordability, and sustainability. Dr. Mukhtar identifies policy barriers, including water insecurity, thermal reliability issues, nuclear power generation failures, neglect of renewable energy resources, and a lack of coherent energy planning, through a detailed historical analysis in three phases (1947–1977, 1977–99, 21st Century).

The author thoroughly explores major energy fuels, assessing their future potential, and conducts an in-depth analysis of Independent Power Projects (IPPs) and the Indus Water Treaty. The book extends its scope internationally by comparing the energy security profiles of South Asian countries.

It discusses the regional energy security milieu, prospects and challenges of inter-state energy trade, and cooperation under SAARC. Dr. Mukhtar’s recommendations, grounded in a detailed analysis, provide valuable insights for policymakers, research scholars, and students.

Her international perspective, comparing Pakistani energy security with other South Asian countries, makes this book a unique contribution to the field. It addresses political and institutional hazards, regional conflicts, and explores green energy prospects, making it an indispensable read for all stakeholders in Pakistan’s energy security. The author paints a realistic picture of Pakistan’s current energy mix, power generation capacity, electricity consumption patterns, and suggests an original Pakistan’s Energy Forecast (2021–2030).

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