The Energy Sphere is a podcast by energy professionals for energy professionals. Born out the U.S International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) Experience, this brand new podcast brings together voices from Pakistan and around the world to talk about energy and the many industries it connect with. Join your co hosts <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-kazmi/" rel="nofollow">Sarah Kazmi</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/iraj-tariq-187666a1/" rel="nofollow">Iraj Tariq </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/asjadqureshi/" rel="nofollow">Asjadullah Qureshi </a>as they explore the policies, technologies ,innovations, and strategies shaping our collective energy future.Subscribe and email at energypodcast.pk@gmail.com

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/28/0/fc9245eb-bc9e-4bb7-be95-91e7dd61bba1_ep4-ev.mp3

Pakistan&#39;s EV boom is already here. Host and energy lawyer <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-kazmi/" rel="nofollow">Sarah Kazmi </a>sits down with Dr. Naveed, director of the LUMS Energy Institute, to unpack what is actually happening behind Pakistan&#39;s electric vehicle transition. From the 2019 national EV policy and the multi-ministry coordination problem that slowed early progress, to the sharp surge in demand after global fuel shocks, this conversation shows why Pakistan&#39;s adoption curve looks very different from the US or Europe. You&#39;ll discover why 84% of Pakistan&#39;s vehicle market makes electrification a completely different challenge, why women and younger riders are becoming a major new EV customer segment, and why swappable batteries may be the key to three-wheelers. Dr. Naveed also breaks down the real bottlenecks holding back scale, including missing motorcycle-equivalent models, charging infrastructure for longer trips, and the need for off-peak EV tariffs.He also shares how <a href="https://emobility.lums.edu.pk/" rel="nofollow">LUMS Energy Institute </a>became an unexpected EV powerhouse - with battery testing, vehicle testing, startup spinouts, and a pilot in Multan that grew into expanded funding and three-city deployment. Along the way, he explains where the real business opportunities are emerging: EV software, battery assembly, power electronics, motor technology, wireless charging, and especially electric freight.  Dr. Naveed Arshad is a Director of the LUMS Energy Institute. His research interests include energy, climate informatics, and electric vehicles. Dr. Arshad has published nearly seventy research articles in top international journals and conferences. Additionally, Dr. Arshad has authored many reports and white papers on advocacy and evidence-based policy recommendations. He co-founded multiple start-up companies in big data, energy analytics, and electric vehicles. Dr. Arshad holds an MS and PhD from the University of Colorado at Boulder.  <a href="https://lei.lums.edu.pk/" rel="nofollow">https://lei.lums.edu.pk/</a> for more informationContact: energypodcast.pk@gmail.com for comments, feedback and inquiriesEnergy Sphere Season 1 is co hosted by Iraj Tariq, Asjadullah Qureshi and Sarah Kazmi. It is supported by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan in partnership with the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN). The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast solely belongs to those of the individuals expressing it, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Mission and USEFP.

Pakistan’s EV Transition: Policy, Infrastructure & Opportunity | Dr. Naveed Arshad, LUMS Energy Institute

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/31/5/acde0b2c-491a-4f96-a23c-940ee6d9c8f2_ep3-dan_acker.mp3

Join the hosts <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-kazmi/" rel="nofollow">Sarah Kazmi </a>(energy lawyer) and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/asjadqureshi/" rel="nofollow">Asjadullah Qureshi</a> (power sector expert) as they welcome Dan Acker, Economic Officer at the <a href="https://pk.usembassy.gov/" rel="nofollow">U.S. Embassy in Islamabad,</a> for a conversation on the evolving landscape of U.S.-Pakistan cooperation in the energy sectorIn this episode, Dan discusses the role of the U.S. Embassy in facilitating commercial engagement between U.S. and Pakistani companies connecting businesses, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and supporting trade and investment across Pakistan&#39;s energy landscape. He also shares insights into current areas of U.S.-Pakistan cooperation and highlights future investment opportunities in the hydrocarbons, power and minerals sectors.The conversation explores how U.S. companies are contributing through advanced exploration technologies, power transmission, critical minerals development and digital innovation, while examining the role of technology transfer, workforce development, regulatory reform and long-term international partnerships in supporting Pakistan&#39;s energy transition and economic growth.For U.S. and Pakistani businesses seeking to build partnerships, explore investment opportunities and better understand Pakistan&#39;s evolving energy landscape, this episode is an essential listen.Contact: <a href="mailto:energypodcast.pk@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">energypodcast.pk@gmail.com</a> for comments, feedback and inquiriesEnergy Sphere Season 1 is supported by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan in partnership with the <a href="https://puan.pk/" rel="nofollow">Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN)</a>. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast solely belongs to those of the individuals expressing it, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Mission and USEFP.

Join the hosts Sarah Kazmi (energy lawyer) and Asjadullah Qureshi (power sector expert) as they welcome Dan Acker, Economic Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, for a conversation on the evolving landscape of U.S.-Pakistan cooperation in the energy sector

In this episode, Dan discusses the role of the U.S. Embassy in facilitating commercial engagement between U.S. and Pakistani companies connecting businesses, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and supporting trade and investment across Pakistan&#39;s energy landscape. He also shares insights into current areas of U.S.-Pakistan cooperation and highlights future investment opportunities in the hydrocarbons, power and minerals sectors.

The conversation explores how U.S. companies are contributing through advanced exploration technologies, power transmission, critical minerals development and digital innovation, while examining the role of technology transfer, workforce development, regulatory reform and long-term international partnerships in supporting Pakistan&#39;s energy transition and economic growth.

For U.S. and Pakistani businesses seeking to build partnerships, explore investment opportunities and better understand Pakistan&#39;s evolving energy landscape, this episode is an essential listen.

Contact: energypodcast.pk@gmail.com for comments, feedback and inquiries

Energy Sphere Season 1 is supported by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan in partnership with the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN). The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast solely belongs to those of the individuals expressing it, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Mission and USEFP.

U.S.–Pakistan Energy Cooperation: Investment & Opportunities | Dan Acker

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/10/1/84b07162-1258-4f26-83b1-c8daac55ce77_ep2finalfinal.mp3

Power Talks brings together the hosts <a href="https://www.erm.com.pk/about-us/" rel="nofollow">Sarah</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/iraj-tariq-187666a1/" rel="nofollow">Iraj</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/asjadqureshi/" rel="nofollow">Asjad</a> for a conversation about Pakistan’s evolving power sector with Asjad sharing his insights on the industry and highlighting key areas we may explore in future episodes. We’d love to hear from our audience: which of these topics would you most want us to go deeper on?The episode then features <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-kazmi/?skipRedirect=true" rel="nofollow">Sarah Kazmi</a> in conversation with <a href="http://linkedin.com/in/shah-jahan-mirza-11047123/?skipRedirect=true" rel="nofollow">Shah Jahan Mirza, </a>former Managing Director of <a href="https://www.ppib.gov.pk/" rel="nofollow">Pakistan’s Private Power and Infrastructure Board</a> offering a deeper look at Pakistan’s power sector transformation, the role of private investment, and the reforms that have shaped the country’s energy landscape including the pivotal 2015 power policy, transparent licensing mechanisms, and streamlined approval processes that attracted billions in foreign investment. Mr. Shahjahan emphasizes that despite media narratives about challenges, the real story is one of opportunity whether through mini-grids in remote areas, privatized transmission lines, or international partnerships offering lucrative avenues for technology-driven investors. If you’re an energy innovator or a forward-thinking investor, this episode reveals the hidden chances to contribute to Pakistan’s energy future while capitalizing on a dynamic and reform-driven market. Mr Shahjahan’s decades of experience working at the intersection of policy, technology, and international cooperation make him an invaluable guide to Pakistan’s energy journey. Connect with Shah Jahan Mirza: sjmirza@hotmail.com📩 Contact: energypodcast.pk@gmail.com for comments, feedback and inquiriesEnergy Sphere Season 1 is supported by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan in partnership with the <a href="https://puan.pk/" rel="nofollow">Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN)</a>. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast solely belongs to those of the individuals expressing it, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Mission and USEFP.

Shah Jahan Mirza's take on the changing power sector landscape of Pakistan

Power Talks brings together the hosts Sarah, Iraj, and Asjad for a conversation about Pakistan’s evolving power sector with Asjad sharing his insights on the industry and highlighting key areas we may explore in future episodes. We’d love to hear from our audience: which of these topics would you most want us to go deeper on?

The episode then features Sarah Kazmi in conversation with Shah Jahan Mirza, former Managing Director of Pakistan’s Private Power and Infrastructure Board offering a deeper look at Pakistan’s power sector transformation, the role of private investment, and the reforms that have shaped the country’s energy landscape including the pivotal 2015 power policy, transparent licensing mechanisms, and streamlined approval processes that attracted billions in foreign investment. Mr. Shahjahan emphasizes that despite media narratives about challenges, the real story is one of opportunity whether through mini-grids in remote areas, privatized transmission lines, or international partnerships offering lucrative avenues for technology-driven investors. If you’re an energy innovator or a forward-thinking investor, this episode reveals the hidden chances to contribute to Pakistan’s energy future while capitalizing on a dynamic and reform-driven market. Mr Shahjahan’s decades of experience working at the intersection of policy, technology, and international cooperation make him an invaluable guide to Pakistan’s energy journey. 

Connect with Shah Jahan Mirza: sjmirza@hotmail.com

📩 Contact: energypodcast.pk@gmail.com for comments, feedback and inquiries

Energy Sphere Season 1 is supported by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan in partnership with the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN). The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast solely belongs to those of the individuals expressing it, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Mission and USEFP.

Power Talks: Investing in Pakistan’s Energy Future ft. Shah Jahan Mirza

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/24/6/4312bee8-fd4f-48ad-9579-f36550b5f5af_energy_sphereep0.mp3

In this introductory episode, the co-hosts of Energy Sphere share the story behind the podcast how a conversation during the IVLP 2025 program in North Dakota, United States evolved into a platform focused on energyThe hosts reflect on their backgrounds in oil and gas, power regulation, and sustainability, and introduce the themes that will shape Season 1. The episode also includes a preview of an upcoming conversation with Mr. Shah Jahan Mirza, former MD of the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB).🎧 IVLP North Dakota feature on local news: <a href="https://youtu.be/QHxk_v7wgig?si=v8guuXUYhZ58Pw5D" rel="nofollow">https://youtu.be/QHxk_v7wgig?si=v8guuXUYhZ58Pw5D</a>📩 Contact: energypodcast.pk@gmail.comEnergy Sphere Season 1 is supported by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan in partnership with the <a href="https://puan.pk/" rel="nofollow">Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN)</a>. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast solely belongs to those of the individuals expressing it, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Mission and USEFP

From a conversation that began in North Dakota to the launch of a new podcast, the co-hosts of Energy Sphere introduce themselves, share their journeys across Pakistan’s energy sector, and discuss the ideas that inspired the show. The episode also features a preview of an upcoming conversation with former PPIB Managing Director Shah Jahan Mirza.
🎧 IVLP North Dakota feature on local news: https://youtu.be/QHxk_v7wgig?si=v8guuXUYhZ58Pw5D

 📩 Contact: energypodcast.pk@gmail.com

Energy Sphere Season 1 is supported by the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), administered by the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.


From North Dakota to Energy Sphere

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/9/9/20/2cdff71c-55d7-4c12-a462-b19ce10a2413_energy_sphere_teaser.mp3

The Energy Sphere is a podcast by energy professionals, for energy professionals. Born out of the U.S Department of State&#39;s IVLP experience, hosts Sarah Kazmi, Iraj Tariq, and Asjadullah Qureshi talk policy, tech, innovation, and strategy with voices from Pakistan and around the world.Subscribe now so you don’t miss our first episode!Contact: energypodcast.pk@gmail.com

The Energy Sphere is a podcast by energy professionals, for energy professionals. Born from the IVLP experience, hosts Sarah Kazmi, Iraj Tariq, and Asjadullah Qureshi talk policy, tech, innovation, and strategy with voices from Pakistan and around the world.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss our first episode!

Trailer

The Energy Sphere is a podcast by energy professionals for energy professionals. Born out the U.S International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) Experience, this brand new podcast brings together voices from Pakistan and around the world to talk about energy and the many industries it connect with. Join your co hosts Sarah Kazmi ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-kazmi/ ) , Iraj Tariq ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/iraj-tariq-187666a1/ ) and Asjadullah Qureshi ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/asjadqureshi/ ) as they explore the policies, technologies ,innovations, and strategies shaping our collective energy future.

Subscribe and email at energypodcast.pk@gmail.com