ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced an ambitious plan to establish local manufacturing of solar panels and energy storage batteries as part of a broader strategy to strengthen domestic industry, accelerate the clean energy transition, and reduce dependence on imports.
Speaking on ARY News programme On My Radar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, said the government is finalising a comprehensive solar energy policy aimed at transforming Pakistan’s renewable energy sector from basic assembly operations to full-scale manufacturing and technology development.
He said the proposed policy will focus on building a complete local value chain, including solar panel production, battery manufacturing, and related components. According to him, the initiative will also prioritize energy storage solutions, enabling households and industries to store solar power for use during nighttime hours, addressing one of the key limitations of solar energy systems.
Haroon Akhtar Khan noted that developing local manufacturing capacity will significantly reduce production costs, improve affordability of solar solutions for consumers, and help reduce the country’s growing import bill. He added that the government is also working to attract private sector investment and encourage technology transfer to support the development of high-value manufacturing industries in Pakistan.
He further said the initiative is expected to generate new employment opportunities, particularly in engineering, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors, while strengthening Pakistan’s industrial base.
Officials believe that the shift toward domestic production of solar equipment and batteries will not only support energy security but also position Pakistan to benefit from the global transition toward clean and sustainable energy technologies.
The policy is part of broader government efforts to promote renewable energy adoption, reduce pressure on the national grid, and ensure long-term energy sustainability through indigenous industrial development.
