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Natural gas represents the main source of energy in Pakistan, accounting for 49.5% of primary energy supplies in 2012. Oil (30.8%), hydro-power (10.5%) and coal (6.6%) are also significant in the energy mix, while nuclear power contributes 2%. In recent years, small initiatives have explored solar and wind power as well as energy from bagasse, but their contribution is still marginal.

Pakistan's single most important producer of electricity, Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), generates hydro-electricity only, whereas Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) is vested with the responsibility of thermal power generation.(…)

Table 4.4 Electricity, installed capacity, 2007-13

(In MV)
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Hydro-electricity (WAPDA) 6,444 6,444 6,444 6,444 6,516 6,516 6,612
Hydro-electricity (IPPs) 30 111 111 111 129 214 214
Thermal (PEPCO) 4,834 4,899 4,900 4,885 4,720 4,720 4,720
Thermal (K-Electric) 1,756 1,756 1,846 1,946 1,821 2,381 2,381
Thermal (Other IPP) 6,166 6,560 6,793 7,745 9,354 8,938 8,899
Nuclear 462 462 462 462 787 787 787
Wind 0 0 0 0 0 1 50
Total 19,692 20,232 20,556 21,593 23,327 23,557 23,663

Pakistan is facing an unprecedented energy crisis in recent history. This has contributed to lagging economic activity and increasing public discomfort with outages of electricity in the summer and gas in the winters. Certain industries are more affected than others. The current energy deficit amounts to 6,500 MW. The federal and provincial governments have focused their efforts on inviting investments in hydro and alternative energy sources to ensure a continuous supply of energy to the business sector.

(...) Due to fast growing demand, fuel supply limitations and seasonal variations in the availability of hydropower, the gap between supply and demand of electricity, currently estimated at some 5GW, is resulting in routine load-shedding of several hours daily. Moreover, power transmission and distribution are highly inefficient, resulting in losses of some 23-25%, due to poor infrastructure, mismanagement, and theft of electricity. Finally, an ill-designed tariff structure acts as a disincentive for households to save energy and brings with it considerable implicit subsidies to the middle class.

Against the background of the numerous severe problems in Pakistan's energy sector, the Government has formulated a National Power Policy. Its main objectives are to increase energy supply and reduce reliance on fossil fuels for electricity production. Projects to increase energy supply include: the construction of two major hydro-electric power stations (Diamer-Basher and Dasu), the construction of ten coal-fired power plants in Gadani with an installed capacity of 6,600 MW, the completion of two additional nuclear power plants, the construction of new LNG import terminals, and an increased use of alternative energy. The new Policy also tackles price distortions and poorly targeted subsidies, while insufficient collection and non-payment of dues are to be addressed through changes in the penal law.

The Ministry of Water and Power is responsible for formulating national water policies. The Indus River System Authority allocates Indus waters, the primary water source for Punjab and Sindh. WAPDA is in charge of infrastructure development and hydroelectric power generation. It is also responsible for addressing waterlogging and soil salinization. Over 90% of Pakistan's water resources are allocated to irrigation and other agricultural needs. Around 91% of the population had access to clean water in 2012. Challenges for water management include: irregular rainfall, a generally dry climate, increasing demand, and high and growing groundwater salinity.

Access to an adequate supply of water for all (agriculture, industry and domestic users) is one of the priorities of Pakistan Vision 2025. This is to be achieved through an increase in storage capacity, a reduction in waste, and a more effective allocation through better institutional mechanisms.

Table A3. 2 Prohibited imports, 2012-15
Description:
- Factory rejects and goods of job lot/stock lot or sub-standard quality except those mentioned below:
1. Waste, seconds and cutting of:
iron and steel sheets and plates in cut length or coils;
tin sheets and plates of one side not less than 45.7 cm (18 inch); and
stainless steel sheets, coils, plates and circles of AISI-200, AISI-300 and or AISI-400 series only
Cotton waste (H.S No. 5202.0000)
Granules made by the recycling of plastics waste

- Hazardous wastes as defined and classified in the Basel Convention

- Hospital waste of all kind, used sewerage pipes and used chemical containers

- Re-treaded tyres

- Used pneumatic tyres

- CFC gas based refrigerators, deep-freezers and other refrigerating cooling, chilling equipment, CFC based air conditioning equipment and CFC based compressors of these equipment

Table A3. 3 Restricted imports, 2012-15
Part 1 Health and Safety Requirements
- Commodity description: Live animals, animal semen and embryos
- Conditions: (…) import of wild life species including those mentioned in Appendix II of the CITES shall be allowed only after obtaining NOC (no objection certificate) from National Council for Conservation of Wild Life (NCCW)

- Commodity description: Radioactive materials and radiation apparatus
- Conditions: Import of Radioactive materials and apparatus as specified in Annex B-1, will be subject to the prior approval of Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority

- Commodity description: Arsenic and arsenic compound
- Conditions: Importable by industrial consumers who have valid licenses issued by the concerned Environment Protection Agency/ Department under PEPA 1997

- Commodity description: Formaldehyde
- Condifions: Import shall be allowed only to industrial consumers who have valid license issued by the environmental agency/dept. concerned under the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997

- Commodity description: Machinery for arms and ammunition, high explosives, Radioactive substances, security printing, currency and mint
- Conditions: Import shall be allowed to only such industrial units as have been duly sanctioned by the relevant Government agency