ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to prepare a comprehensive national roadmap for generating electricity from solid waste as part of the government’s broader strategy to modernise waste management systems and promote renewable energy solutions.
Chairing a high-level meeting on solid waste management, the prime minister ordered the formation of a dedicated task force to develop detailed proposals for converting municipal and industrial waste into electricity using modern technologies and international best practices.
The initiative, according to the prime minister, will be implemented across Pakistan in collaboration with provincial governments as well as the administration of Islamabad.
“The task force should present practical recommendations based on advanced technologies and successful international models,” Shehbaz Sharif said, adding that the body should include private sector experts and internationally recognised specialists in waste-to-energy systems.
The prime minister said that generating electricity from solid waste could help Pakistan reduce its dependence on imported fuels, thereby saving valuable foreign exchange reserves and strengthening the country’s energy security.
He also emphasised the environmental benefits of improved waste management, stating that modern waste-to-energy solutions could significantly reduce carbon emissions and lower the country’s overall environmental footprint.
“Promoting environmentally friendly and renewable energy sources for sustainable development remains among the government’s top priorities,” the prime minister stated.
The meeting was attended by Ahsan Iqbal, Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Awais Leghari.
Also present were Rana Sanaullah and Muhammad Ali, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation and Chairman of the Privatisation Commission, along with senior officials from relevant ministries and departments.
The directives come amid growing concerns over Pakistan’s energy challenges, increasing fuel import costs, and the environmental impact of poor solid waste management systems in major urban centres.
Energy and environmental experts believe that waste-to-energy projects can offer dual benefits by reducing landfill pressure while simultaneously contributing to the national electricity supply through cleaner and more sustainable energy generation.
Story By Zulfiqar Ahmad
