LAHORE (special crosspondent) – The President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, has officially welcomed the Cabinet Committee on Energy’s approval of the high-level design for the National Integrated Energy Plan 2027-2060. He characterized the development as a significant and positive step toward establishing a more efficient, affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy framework for Pakistan.

Long-term Strategy Essential for Economic Growth

Mr. Saigol emphasized that a long-term, integrated energy strategy is critical for strengthening Pakistan’s economic competitiveness, particularly within the industrial and export sectors, which remain dependent on consistent energy supplies at internationally competitive price points. He noted that integrating power, petroleum, gas, and other energy sub-sectors under a unified planning framework could effectively address systemic fragmentation, improve coordination between federal and provincial institutions, and prevent the duplication of critical infrastructure and financial investments.

Private Sector Consultation and Policy Implementation

Stressing that the success of the National Integrated Energy Plan rests upon effective implementation, the LCCI President underscored that the policy must deliver tangible benefits for both industrial stakeholders and domestic consumers. “Pakistan requires an energy policy that ensures reliability, affordability, and predictability. Industry cannot compete internationally when energy costs remain prohibitively high or supplies are marked by uncertainty,” he stated. Mr. Saigol further advocated for greater utilization of indigenous resources, renewable energy sources, and emerging technologies such as energy storage. He argued that such shifts could reduce the nation’s reliance on expensive imported energy, thereby easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves and bolstering national energy security. Much like the discourse surrounding the role of Google office in Pakistan to help turn country into IT export hub: Iftikhar Ali Malik, he believes that lower, predictable energy costs would directly catalyze industrial production, exports, and employment growth.

Structural Reforms and Industrial Inclusion

The LCCI President issued a formal call for meaningful consultation with the business community, specifically chambers of commerce, industrial associations, and major energy-consuming sectors, during the formulation of the detailed roadmap. He urged that the private sector be granted an active role in identifying energy-sector bottlenecks and developing practical, market-driven solutions. Similar to discussions regarding new provinces essential for good governance and balanced development: South Punjab business leaders, Mr. Saigol reiterated that structural inefficiencies—including transmission losses, distribution faults, circular debt, and governance challenges—must be tackled as a priority. He concluded that long-term planning must be coupled with rigorous reforms to ensure that efficiency gains eventually reach the end-users, much like efforts in other sectors where the FPCCI Pledges Strong Support for Shahid Afridi Foundation Humanitarian Efforts.