SUKKUR
The NARI Foundation, a member of the Green Grow Network (GGN), in collaboration with Indus Consortium, organized a public forum titled “Public Forums 2025: Equitable Solar Energy, Phasing Out Fossil Fuels, and Climate-Resilient Recovery” at a local hotel in Sukkur on Monday.

The event brought together a large number of civil society members, journalists, political activists, educators, and community representatives who collectively called for making solar energy accessible to all, ending reliance on fossil fuels, and ensuring climate justice at the national level.

Taj Rind, President of Sukkur Press Club, said Pakistan’s energy crisis is not merely technological but a matter of justice. He emphasized, “Immediate policy reforms are needed to accelerate renewable energy adoption and prioritize communities most affected by climate change.”

Senior journalist Sahil Jogi pointed out that access to energy is a fundamental right of every citizen. “Soaring electricity prices have devastated low-income families. Promoting solar energy will not only cut costs but also help create a cleaner and healthier environment,” he said.

Shabana Khaki, Member of the Sukkur District Council, highlighted that women are among those most affected by climate change. She stated, “No energy policy can succeed without women’s inclusion. Programs must directly engage women in the use and promotion of solar energy.”

Azra Jamal, Member of Sukkur Municipal Corporation, underscored the role of local governments in expanding solar energy infrastructure. She said, “Installing solar panels and lights in schools, hospitals, and municipal offices can serve as practical models for sustainable development.”

Social activist Ali Sher Mehr said that dependence on fossil fuels has weakened Pakistan’s economy. “The country must move away from LNG and coal-based projects and invest more aggressively in renewable energy sources,” he asserted.

Anwar Mahar, representative of Indus Consortium, noted that the forum had strengthened public awareness and engagement at the grassroots level. “The collective voice of the people is clear — they demand affordable, safe, and sustainable energy. The government must abolish GST on solar equipment, simplify net metering, and offer soft loans to small farmers and businesses,” he urged.