By: Ahsan Jalal
In an era when economies worldwide are turning toward sustainable growth, Pakistan is at a crossroads with the need to transition from a fossil fuel-reliant economy to one rooted in renewable, bio-based solutions.
Dependence on conventional, fossil fuel-based energy has proven not only unsustainable for the environment but also economically burdensome, with billions spent annually on fuel imports. A transformation to a bio-based economy, drawing energy from renewable biological sources, offers an opportunity for Pakistan to leap forward in addressing both economic resilience and environmental sustainability.
The bioeconomy encompasses all production, conservation, and use of biological resources, and it presents an opportunity for Pakistan to leverage its rich agricultural base in the transition toward a more self-reliant, eco-friendly economy. In a country where agriculture accounts for close to 24% of GDP, the shift to a bioeconomy would also address high-priority concerns related to food and water security while contributing toward global SDGs. This article discusses why a bioeconomy is not only feasible for Pakistan but also an urgent necessity and outlines a strategic path toward this ambitious goal.
Bioeconomy: A Global Movement with Local Relevance
Through both indigenous and exogenous means, bio-based economies are being pursued in various countries globally. Countries such as the United States and Germany have invested billions in biotechnological research, bioenergy production, and sustainable agriculture. The People’s Republic of China has also integrated bioeconomy strategies into its high-tech and economic planning, increasing the contribution of the bioindustry to GDP and creating employment. The bioeconomy has been strengthened in India as well, encompassing biopharmaceuticals, bioagriculture, and bioenergy.
This transition holds particular relevance for Pakistan. As one of the leading agricultural countries in the world, it is well-suited to leverage its natural resources to generate renewable biological materials for biomanufacturing, bioenergy, and other bio-based industries. Full utilization and sustainable management of the country’s agricultural resources would reduce dependence on fossil fuels, enhance value-added exports, and provide environmentally friendly substitutes for synthetic inputs in many industries.
An Urgent Call for Action
Transformational change is desperately needed in real-time, given a host of current challenges: a rapidly growing population, water scarcity, shrinking arable land, and increasing climate change-induced natural disasters—all of which place immense pressure on agricultural productivity and food security. Moreover, the reliance on traditional energy resources raises production costs and undermines economic resilience. Energy costs for the agricultural sector are likely to double by 2030, further straining resources.
Transitioning toward a bioeconomy offers Pakistan a unique opportunity to address these challenges by building a circular, low-carbon economy that ensures resource efficiency, minimizes waste, and encourages reuse. Bioeconomic activities will also help Pakistan to meet Net Zero by 2050 and achieve several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 15: Life on Land
A Phased Roadmap for the Bioeconomy of Pakistan
In this respect, the strategic roadmap for Pakistan’s bioeconomy may be divided into three tiers. Short-term initiatives (within five years) should focus on collecting reliable data related to the country’s bio-resources, conducting overall resource mapping, and initiating partnerships for technology transfer and capacity building. These initial steps would lay the foundation for assessing and optimizing resources such as biomass potential in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
Medium-term initiatives (5–20 years) may include expanding bio-based industries and launching pilot projects on bioenergy and biomanufacturing. For instance, bagasse—a by-product of sugarcane—can be used to generate energy. Similarly, the 225 million livestock in the country can support large-scale biogas production, particularly in rural areas. In addition, programs on rainwater harvesting, vertical farming, and rural electrification through bioenergy can reduce pressure on limited water resources and enhance food production sustainably.
A longer-term vision (beyond 20 years) includes establishing advanced biomanufacturing hubs and biorefineries to produce bio-based chemicals and materials. Ultimately, Pakistan should aspire to become a regional leader in biotechnology and synthetic biology by providing innovative, homegrown bio-based solutions on both national and global scales.
Achieving this high vision will require strong determination from the government to ensure enabling policies that foster innovation, along with robust partnerships among academia, industry, and global stakeholders.
