Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan has called for a policy framework to promote local manufacturing of solar equipment, saying the sector could create millions of jobs, provide affordable clean energy and generate foreign exchange through exports.
Addressing the 3rd International Solar Power Conclave & Solar Technology Excellence Awards 2026, organised by Energy Update in collaboration with renewable-energy associations, he said the lack of a government policy was hindering domestic solar manufacturing.
He urged solar businesses to take the lead in establishing local production facilities, noting that the industry had already introduced solar technology in Pakistan despite limited government support.
The governor said rising electricity prices had increased the importance of solar power and stressed the need to utilise Pakistan’s abundant sunlight to reduce consumer costs and environmental damage.
Punjab Energy Minister Faisal Ayub said the country had moved from an electricity shortage to the challenge of expensive power. He assured the solar sector of the Punjab government’s support and said consultations would be held with federal authorities and industry representatives to develop policies promoting renewable energy.
Pakistan Solar Association President Adil Mahmood said solar power was contributing up to 40,000 MW to the country’s energy supply. He called for the removal of duties and sales tax on batteries and urged the establishment of local lithium-battery manufacturing plants.
Energy Update Managing Editor Naeem Qureshi said solar consumption had crossed 40,000 MW, generating savings of around $6 billion and creating up to two million jobs. He also highlighted Sindh’s wind corridor, which he said had the potential to produce around 50,000 MW compared with current generation of 1,800-2,300 MW.
During panel discussions, experts examined energy storage, microgrids, artificial intelligence, energy efficiency and investment opportunities in photovoltaic systems and solar batteries. They said Pakistan’s solar expansion had largely been driven by market forces and changing electricity economics.
Dr Naveed Arshad of LUMS said battery storage would play a major role in Pakistan’s energy transition by 2035.
The event concluded with Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan presenting awards to leading renewable-energy companies. Around 30 companies received the 3rd Solar Technology Excellence Awards 2026.
