Pakistan’s solar boom threatens national grid

Pakistan imported a record 17 GW of Chinese solar panels in 2024, meeting around 10 % of electricity demand. But this surge is straining the debt-ridden grid, prompting reforms like slashing net‑metering rates (from Rs 27 to Rs 10/unit) and imposing import duties on panels. Critics fear these changes may slow solar adoption and hit low-income users hardest .