The people of Pakistan want affordable, safe, non-polluting, and sustainable energy for all. Coal power plants pollute the climate, air, water, and land. Big coal infrastructure projects have benefited foreign investors at the expense of Pakistani families by locking in ever-higher electricity rates. Now while Pakistan’s allies are moving beyond coal themselves, they are miring Pakistan ever deeper into it, with more massive toxic coal projects.

It’s time our government calls on Pakistan’s allies, especially China, to help us move beyond coal by unlocking access to finance. The government of Pakistan has committed to powering the nation with at least 60% cheap, renewable energy by the decade's end. We have just six years to achieve this ambitious and positive vision.

The Pakistani government must halt the building of a coal transport railroad. It must stop mining coal in the Thar region and elsewhere. Instead, investments, including all Chinese investment, must shift to massive wind, solar and micro-hydro energy expansion.

Across the country, hard-working families and business leaders are raising their voices to demand that our government take action. Together we can move our country into a future that works for all of us.