ISLAMABAD: Experts, policymakers and industry representatives at a seminar on climate-responsive industrial development on Wednesday stressed the need for phased structural reforms to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, enhance export competitiveness and support sustainable industrial growth in line with Pakistan’s national policies.
The seminar, titled ‘Driving a Just Industrial Transition: Role of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and Solar Rush in Pakistan’s Textile Sector’, was organised by Alternate Development Services (ADS) and hosted by its Chief Executive Officer Amjad Nazeer.
More than 50 participants attended the event, including energy experts, economists, textile industry professionals and civil society representatives.Speakers noted that better alignment of MDB financing with Pakistan’s national climate and energy frameworks could help accelerate clean energy adoption, particularly in the textile sector.
A scoping study presented by Dr Ali Abbas Kazmi of USPCASE, NUST, and Usman Bin Ahmad of ADS -- based on primary data collected from textile mills in Faisalabad and Multan -- highlighted the growing role of solar energy in reducing production costs and emissions, while supporting compliance with emerging international trade requirements.
Another study on MDB policies, presented by lead author Twangar Kazmi, reviewed World Bank Group and Asian Development Bank strategies against Pakistan’s national commitments, including its climate and energy policies. The analysis found broad directional alignment but pointed to gaps in implementation, monitoring and institutional capacity.
Panel discussions featured Dr Afia Malik, Qurat-ul-Ain Cheema, Aamir Imran, Zubair Faisal Abbasi and Abdul Khaliq, who discussed regulatory challenges, financing approaches and the importance of balanced transition measures for industry, particularly for small and medium enterprises.
Participants emphasised the need for predictable regulations, improved coordination and stronger stakeholder engagement to support a just industrial transition.Concluding the seminar, ADS CEO Amjad Nazeer thanked the speakers and participants, and called for continued policy dialogue and coordinated efforts to support Pakistan’s transition towards a more resilient and sustainable industrial sector.
