55th anniversary of Earth Day: Rapid progress in solar energy a beacon of hope, says Sherry

ISLAMABAD: Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman marked the 55th anniversary of Earth Day with a resounding call for bold action on renewable energy and environmental protection.

While celebrating its 55th anniversary of Earth Day, this year’s Earth Day theme, ‘Our Power, Our Planet’, in a statement on Monday Sherry Rehman calls for people worldwide to unite behind renewable energy and promote clean electricity by 2030.

She emphasized that this global call is particularly relevant for countries on the frontline of climate impacts, urging collective action to accelerate the clean energy transition. “Earth Day is more than a moment of reflection—it’s a global call to action,” said Sherry Rehman.

“The climate crisis is accelerating, but so is our resolve. As the world faces intensifying climate shocks, Pakistan is stepping up with real solutions. Our renewable energy surge is not just a necessity—it’s a model for the Global South.”

She pointed to Pakistan’s rapid progress in solar energy as a beacon of hope. According to a recent World Economic Forum (WEF) report, Pakistan has become the sixth-largest solar energy market globally, offering a powerful blueprint for other developing nations seeking sustainable energy alternatives.

“In the past fiscal year alone, Pakistan imported 15GW of solar panels worth $2.1 billion from China,” she stated, citing the findings of a new study, The Great Solar Rush in Pakistan. “This extraordinary shift has been largely driven by a staggering 155% increase in electricity tariffs over the last three years—prompting homes and industries alike to turn to rooftop solar solutions.”

She said Pakistan’s commitment to clean energy is firmly embedded in its international climate pledges. “As per its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the country aims to achieve 60% of power generation from renewable sources by 2030; Net-zero emissions by 2050; a 30% transition to electric vehicles by 2030; and a complete ban on imported coal.”

Already, she said the power ministry says that over 55% of our electricity is being generated from clean sources such as hydropower and nuclear energy.”

Senator Rehman noted that figure will only grow as we continue to scale up investment in renewables. This is an opportune moment for the federal government to review its planned changes to solar energy, which need to align with the country’s needs for affordable clean energy. Any policy that reduces incentives to clean energy to balance load management must consider modernisation of distributed energy systems instead of reinvesting in old technologies and an ageing, inefficient central grid.”

She noted that there were examples of renewable energy initiatives aimed at bridging the energy gap for vulnerable communities, underscoring the importance of scaling such efforts to ensure inclusive access to clean energy. “The Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP), spearheaded by the PPP under the visionary leadership of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, is delivering affordable solar systems to 500,000 low-consumption households. Through the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), this initiative is ensuring energy equity by prioritizing those who need it most.”

In the urban transport sector, she commended Sindh’s trailblazing role in decarbonization. “In 2023, Pakistan’s first-ever electric bus service was launched in Karachi by the Sindh government. Today, the approval of 500 fully electric buses for Karachi marks a major leap forward in public transport modernization and air quality improvement,” she said.

Sherry Rehman concluded with a strong message of climate solidarity: “We don’t have the luxury of delay. The planet is telling us it’s time to pivot from extractive, polluting systems to sustainable, just, and inclusive futures. Let Earth Day be a reminder that the power to save our planet lies within our choices—and that Pakistan is choosing a cleaner, greener tomorrow.”