Professor Manazar Hussain Qureshi

City Postgraduate College for

Women Jhelum

ENERGY CRISIS
Energy plays very important role in human affairs than merely as a source of light,
heat and motion. It plays pivotal role in the development of country. Though we
have entered 21 century yet we are still in the grip of a serious energy crisis that is
affecting all sectors of the economy and the various segments of society. It has
created many social, economic and political problems which have entangled our
people.
There are many causes of energy crisis in Pakistan and these are hardly and
immediate solutions to resolve the issue. Today in 2011, the Pakistanis are facing
gas, electricity and oil shortage.
The first cause of energy crisis is lack of interest on the part of political
leaders. After 1974, no new projects for electricity have been made, where as
demand is increasing day by day. The population is increasing like a rocket and
political leader are just throwing dust in the eyes of public and do not have any
interest in its solutions.
Secondly, our dams are not producing required target of energy. These dams
do not have capacity to store maximum quantity of water to produce electricity.
We find that absence of additional storages have forced us to burden Tarbela Dam
most adversely by inflicting continued low level of water. Muddy water can’t be
used to produce electricity. Moreover, these are many hydal and thermal units
producing electricity e.g Mangla, Warrak, Kotri, Tarbela and are producing only
41.35 percent of total demands. These are 8 thermal units in Pakistan. These
limited by drothermal resources cause energy crisis.
Thirdly, lack of finance and technology to explore new oil wells also cause
this shortage. Our resources are limited and we don’t have modern technology to
produce electricity to meet the growing demands of public. On the other side rapid
increase in industrialization throughout the country causes this short fall.
Fourthly, sharp increase in the use of electrical appliances by the majority of
people causes load shedding and smooth running of life. Leaving lights and home
appliances on even when they are not used is a common practice in our society.
Similarly, many businesses such as shops dealings in cloth and garments,
jewellery, cosmetics and home appliances and electronics are usually
extravagantly lit. it is commonly observed that shops that could do with two or
three 40-watt tube lights to meet the desired level of luminance use as many as 15
to 20 tubes. Not only does this increase the consumption, it also generates heat and
makes the environment uncomfortable,
Fifthly, due to lack of honesty on the part of policy makers and the rulers
the problem is not being solved. The rulers are using Air conditions and countless
 Professor Manazar Hussain Qureshi
City Postgraduate College for
Women Jhelum

lights in their palace-like houses and the poor man cant light one bulb or use a fan.
The kids of politicians study in the AC rooms while the kids of a poor can’t use
even a fan. Foreign aid is used on the welfare of politicians and big guns. China is
ready to give us cheaper electricity why they are not coordinating to China same
like Turkey and Iran have offered many times. Lack of honesty and interest have
made the situation worst in our country. False promises are made and only
commissions and corruption have aggravated the situation.
There are many effects of energy shortage. Firstly, unemployment is
increasing. People can’t work and bring up their families as they are jobless due to
lack of work. The foreign investors do not come and set up new factories or mills.
Secondly, energy crisis has created disturbance in official working and
suffering of business. There is social unrest in domestic life and our it also results
low agricultural output.
Thirdly, it affects the political and economic fabric of the country owing to
which the progress and development are not expected. It has created despair,
anxiety and restless among the masses. Our students, workers, professionals and
industrialists are worried. It has caused hunger inflation, corruption, and so many
other evils in society.
There are many solutions of this problem. Firstly, the Govt should form
long term policies to get rid of this crisis. The Govt should reduce their
expenditure and invest there type of energy projects so that up coming generation
salutes them.
Secondly new dams should be constructed for storing water in summer to
utilize when dry spell arrives and to produce electricity. Kala Bagh dam should be
built to increase the total capacity of production.
Thirdly, we should change our life style. The nation has to draw a clear line
between necessities and luxuries as there is not enough light to meet both
requirements.
Fourthly, ruling class should lead by examples in matter of power
conservation. If it does so, the common man will follow suit. It is time for elite to
take energy-saving initiatives like abandoning the use of central air conditioning.
Fifthly, Pakistan has big rescuers of coal, should be used for break down the
energy crisis.
In the end, I would conclude it is high time for decision that can lead us
towards prosperity narrowing the gap between demand and supply of energy. Both
the public and the Govt should realize their duties to solve this issue.

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