Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a sustainable energy future during a high-level session at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya on Wednesday. Speaking at a session titled “Clean Energy Transition by 2035: Powering the Future,” the prime minister outlined a roadmap for transitioning to clean energy and requested international financing and affordable technology to help developing nations meet climate goals.
The prime minister reported that clean energy sources currently account for nearly 55 per cent of Pakistan’s energy mix. He informed the gathering that prior to his trip to Antalya, he inaugurated a key section of Pakistan’s seventh nuclear power plant, which he described as a state-of-the-art project that will add 1,200 megawatts of clean electricity to the national grid.
Regarding the transport sector, the prime minister stated that a recently launched auto policy aims to make 30 per cent of new vehicles electric by 2030 through incentives such as lower tariffs. He noted that all future government motorcycles and buses will be electric, adding that more than one in every 10 motorcycles sold in Pakistan this year was electric.
While the prime minister stated the transition is gaining momentum, he stressed that sustained financing is essential. He stated that Pakistan requires approximately $138 billion by 2035 for low-carbon power generation, plus an additional $50 billion to replace coal-based power with solar energy. He noted that heavily indebted economies cannot shoulder the costs of expanding power grids, ensuring reliable energy storage, and making emerging technologies affordable alone.
The prime minister called on international partners to provide concessional financing and facilitate the transfer of affordable technologies, stating that targets can only be met through collective efforts. “35 by 35 will be achieved only if finance flows at the speed of ambition through concessional capital and the transfer of affordable technology,” the prime minister said.
He urged the international community to adopt a development model that balances economic growth with environmental protection so countries can meet energy needs without harming the planet. “Let us resolve to power our economies without impoverishing our people and light up our homes without darkening our planet,” he said, reiterating Pakistan's determination to contribute to global sustainable development and climate resilience.
