The Knowledge Forum

Early in April 2026, we, at The Knowledge Forum met MPA Rehan Bandukda, Chairperson of Energy Committee, Sindh Assembly. TKF presented a briefing to the Chairperson Energy Committee, Sindh Assembly on key issues related to energy access, and energy justice in Sindh. Given the importance of Sindh in energy production (both in fossil fuel and utility scale variable renewables), and the acutely compromised status of access, the role of public representatives in championing the case for clean and affordable energy for the province is critical.

While Sindh produced the bulk of coal and gas driving industries and transport, and serving households, its access to electricity – as shared in the Pakistan Energy Survey 2022 - is revealing. According to the report,

Balochistan and Sindh have the highest electricity access deficit, with more than 30 percent of households falling into Tiers 0 and 1 (no access and available on 4 hours a day)

No access to electricity is highest in Sindh at 7.3%, even higher than the ratio of 2.6% in Balochistan.

This has an acute impact on quality of life, livelihood including industrial production and employment generation, and people’s resilience to growing heat.

MPA Rehan Bandukda patiently listened to our evidence based position on the need for clean energy acceleration in Sindh. Coming from a business background, his emphasis remains on the need for addressing means to absorb excess capacity. He also highlighted the need for a plan for jobs lost as sun sets on fossil fuels. The role of public sector technical education institutions in helping with the switch to green jobs also came under discussion

We also discussed the need for women representation in the Energy Committee which currently stands at zero. (An encouraging development has taken place on that front recently).

Being in this journey of advocacy on clean energy in Sindh for well over two years, we feel that the channel of dialogue with public representatives is a critical pathway for a just energy transition. While public representative need convincing with the help of robust knowledge for forcefully making the case for clean energy – as a public welfare agenda – the current community led solarisation underscores the need for faster action on policy and legislation to capture the gains on clean energy.
TKF appreciates Mr. Bandukda's valuable time and engagement on these critical issues and look forward to continued dialogue on advancing sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy for all Pakistanis.

Invitation: May Day Webinar on Thursday

You are warmly invited to join a special May Day webinar hosted by The Knowledge Forum.
Title: Honouring Workers, Advancing Rights: A May Day Dialogue
Date & Time: April 30, 2026 | 3:00–4:00 PM
Platform: Zoom
This session will bring together labour leaders, human rights advocates, and civil society voices to reflect on workers’ contributions, discuss current challenges, and explore ways to advance labour rights.

Speakers include:
Key Speakers:
1. Nasir Mansoor, Secretary General, National Trade Union Federation
2. Farhat Perveen, NOW Communities
3. Muhammad Rafique Ahmed, Labour rights and human rights expert
4. Akram Khaskheli, Chairman of Sindh Hari Association

Join us for an engaging and meaningful dialogue on building fair, safe, and equitable workplaces.

Zoom Link: available on demand.