CCLS-KCFR Advocate for Decentralized Energy Development
On 22nd February, 2025, Dr. Sikander Shah, Director of the Centre for Chinese Legal Studies (CCLS), Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law (SAHSOL) at LUMS delivered an engaging talk at Avari Hotel about the localized renewable solutions for producing energy in Pakistan The talk was part of one day seminar on “Strategies for attracting foreign direct investment to develop the renewable energy sector in Pakistan”, organized by Karachi Council on Foreign Relations. The event was attended by members of the Chinese Consulate, including Commercial Counsellor Mr. Li Haoteng.
Dr. Shah highlighted the importance of decentralization of the renewable energy in attracting all segments of our society to opt for a sustainable and healthy means of living. The talk was interlinked with one of the challenges faced by BRI’s CPEC in Pakistan; the climate change. Dr. Shah, in his talk, highlighted the floods that have devastated the already unwarrantable agriculture sector that brought Pakistan to the brink of food insecurity in 2022, and presented the decentralized and community driven renewable energy setup as a viable means of overcoming the climate change.
Discussing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Dr. Shah highlighted China’s success in furthering economic collaboration globally, particularly its role as a pillar of growth for developing nations like Pakistan. He emphasized that decentralized energy contributed as a key pillar in China’s development, and paralleled the renewable energy to stem environmental and economic advantages for Pakistan as well. Pakistan, he stressed, stands to benefit significantly from the strategic proximity with China in this regard, enabling progress and development through community driven energy development.
On China's Energy Diplomacy Strategy, Dr. Shah reflected that the strategy ensures domestic energy security, promotes sustainable economic and social development, and accelerates the growth of relevant countries and regions through energy exports and infrastructure investment. Hence, Dr. Shah emphasized, it is the need of the hour for Pakistan to utilize this structure for a better future, in respect to both the economy and the environment.
The session concluded with an interactive panel moderated by Dr. Shah, who answered questions posed by Ms. Nadira Panjwani, Chairperson KCFR, Sindh government officials, fellow academics and students. A lively and fruitful discussion took place regarding the energy infrastructure of Pakistan, as well as areas of improvement.
Mr. Li Haoteng, also addressed the attendees, and spoke about the significance of the China-Pakistan friendship, as well as lessons on renewable energy development that could be learned from China. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to the development of its brotherly neighbour, Pakistan.