Engineering a Sustainable Future: SWOT Analysis of Pakistan's 2019 Renewable Energy Policy Design

Muhammad Irfan; Shabbi ul Abbas; Nasir Sultan; Muhammad Shoaib Saleem; Naeem Abas

Authors

Muhammad Irfan School of Engineering, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia
Shabbi ul Abbas College of Information and Communication Engineering, Herbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, China
Nasir Sultan Department of Management Sciences, University of Gujrat, Hafiz Hayat Campus, Gujrat, Pakistan
Muhammad Shoaib Saleem Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Management and Technology Lahore, Sialkot Campus, Sialkot, Pakistan
Naeem Abas Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Gujrat, Hafiz Hayat Campus, Gujrat, Pakistan

Keywords:

Electricity, Fossil Fuels, Energy Sustainability, Renewable Energy Sources, SWOT Analysis

Abstract

Pakistan,

as a developing and densely populated country, faces persistent challenges of electricity shortages, heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, and rising environmental and economic pressures. Despite possessing substantial renewable energy potential, the share of renewable sources in the national energy mix has remained limited, largely due to weak policy implementation. This study systematically examines Pakistan’s Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy (AREP) 2019 using a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analytical framework. The identification of SWOT factors is based on qualitative analysis of national policy documents, official energy-sector reports, and peer-reviewed literature, supplemented by expert insights from stakeholders within the energy domain to enhance analytical robustness. The results reveal that AREP 2019 demonstrates strong potential through abundant indigenous renewable resources, investor-friendly provisions, and an improved regulatory framework; however, weaknesses persist in delayed project implementation, grid constraints, and procedural complexities. Opportunities lie in hybrid energy systems, private-sector participation, and carbon-credit mechanisms, while threats include political instability, grid unreliability, energy theft, and regulatory uncertainty. By translating SWOT outcomes into actionable policy insights, this study highlights critical implementation gaps and proposes strategic directions for improving energy security, sustainability, and long-term policy effectiveness. The findings offer practical guidance for policymakers, regulators, and investors seeking to strengthen Pakistan’s transition toward a resilient and sustainable energy future.

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