Page 59 - CMA Journal (Nov-Dec 2025)

Green Technology and

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Innovation as Catalysts for

Greening Pakistan’s Economy

The increased vulnerability to climate change and the reusable by rural
persistent failures in energy, productivity, and public farmers, small
finance systems are two significant drivers shaping enterprises, and
economic development in Pakistan. Climate changes are informal sectors offer
severe, worsening issues such as rising temperatures, practical solutions to
changing weather patterns, flooding, and prolonged these challenges.
droughts. These challenges are not isolated incidents but
This is evident in solar
have become structural threats to economic stability and
PV and solar thermal
food security. High energy costs, combined with
technologies. Such
inefficient industrial processes and reliance on imported
systems are technically
fuels, continue to pressure the budget and restrain
and economically
competitiveness.
feasible due to
To change its growth perspective, Pakistan can embrace Pakistan’s geographi-
sustainable practices in production, investment, and cal advantages and Engr. Shakir Ali
governance, following a roadmap toward a low-carbon high solar irradiance. Assistant Professor of
economy. Green technology and innovations are not only However, innovation Electrical Engineering,
strategic tools for economic transformation, but are also remains limited Mehran University of
central to translating climate commitments into effective despite abundant Engineering and Technology
economic growth, within the broader theme of Greening resources. The installa-
Pakistan’s Economy, Climate Finance, and ESG Reforms. tion of PV panels is not just a goal but represents efforts to
integrate sustainable technologies into energy-intensive
Through an economic, environmental, and financial
sectors, particularly agriculture and agro-processing,
review, this article establishes that locally designed green
where inefficiencies and energy wastage are common.
technologies can drive climate action and enhance ESG
performance. Solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal Solar PV and Solar Thermal Technologies:
dryer systems are discussed to illustrate open access to An Integrated Green Innovation
climate finance and inclusive growth. Green technology
and innovation should not be considered merely Solar technologies are a credible and impactful
secondary measures but must be treated as one of the innovation at the local scale. The primary conventional
pillars of Pakistan’s sustainable development agenda. drying method in Pakistan is open sun drying, whereas
some industrial applications utilize grid electricity or
Green Technology and Innovation in Pakistan fossil fuels. The disadvantages of open sun drying include
contamination risks and reduced product quality, while
Green technologies, systems, and practices are
mechanical drying requires additional energy and
developed and implemented to reduce environmental
impacts the environment. One innovative solution to
damage, enhance long-term sustainability, and conserve
these challenges is small-scale solar drying systems that
resources. Innovation is not just the development of new
integrate solar PV and solar thermal technologies,
technologies, but also the ability to adapt and optimize
delivering efficient renewable heat from the sun and
existing technologies to address local challenges.
self-sufficient electrical power for auxiliaries, enhancing
The key factors shaping Pakistan’s approach to green overall system efficiency. This technology directly
innovation include limited fiscal resources and unequal supports several Sustainable Development Goals,
access to technology, which contribute to high exposure including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 7 (Affordable and
to climate risks. Imported solutions are often difficult to Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic
adopt due to affordability and local challenges such as Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and
maintenance and scalability. Consequently, low-cost, Production).
decentralized innovations that have proven resilient and

ICMA’s Chartered Management Accountant, Nov-Dec 2025