PM Shahbaz Sharif forms task force for waste-to-energy national policy

ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has formed a high-level task force to promote waste-to-energy projects in the country and prepare a comprehensive national policy.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, this task force will develop a clear strategy, institutional structure and practical roadmap for waste-to-energy projects in the country, while the involvement of the private sector will also be promoted.

The statement said that the aim of this initiative is to increase investment opportunities in the country and promote innovative projects to convert waste into energy.

The task force will be headed by Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Owais Leghari. Other members will include Minister for Climate Change Senator Mosaddiq Malik, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani and key federal secretaries.

In addition, secretaries of relevant departments of all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir will also be part of the task force, while representatives of the private sector have also been included.

According to the government announcement, this task force will review international best practices and recommend a workable system for Pakistan. During this, legal, regulatory, financial and administrative obstacles that hinder the development of this sector will also be identified.

The TORs of the task force will also include proposals for legislative and regulatory reforms for waste-to-energy projects.

It has been further said that this body will formulate recommendations to improve coordination between various stakeholders and facilitate the implementation of projects.

According to experts, this initiative can prove to be a significant breakthrough in the alternative energy sector in view of the increasing urban waste and energy crisis in Pakistan.