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

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In episode 6 of the Energy Sphere, hosts Sarah Kazmi (legal expert) and Iraj Tariq (sustainability expert) talk with Gyorgyi Gurban of the International Maritime Organization about what she calls the &#34;magic triangle&#34;; how maritime, energy and finance have to work together. They discuss how developing countries, Pakistan included, can use it to prepare for the shift to alternative fuels. Gyorgyi explains why governments need to bring maritime and energy planning together. She covers what investors look for, how countries can get IMO support, and where ship recycling fits into life-cycle thinking. She also talks about what the field offers women and early-career professionals. About the Guest: Gyorgyi Gurban is the Head, Climate and Clean Air Implementation, Subdivision for Maritime Development, Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division, International Maritime Organization (IMO) supporting developing countries in strengthening capacities at the individual, organizational and enabling environment levels to advance cleaner and progressively decarbonized shipping. Before joining IMO, Gyorgyi managed ecosystem approach related marine environmental projects, supporting Mediterranean countries at UNEP/MAP. Beforehand she worked in the European Commission as the Sustainable Development Policy Officer, as well as lead of the climate negotiation preparations of the European Union as Climate Change Attaché during the Hungarian Presidency of the EU. She also has previous experience with the private sector (E3G, Allen &amp; Overy Law Firm) and has a Master of International Law from Tulane University and a Master&#39;s in Environmental Management from the University of San Francisco.The host Barrister Sarah Kazmi has also been working with IMO as national expert for Pakistan on the SENSREC-DW project to strengthen its legal and institutional readiness for Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of ShipsContact: energypodcast.pk@gmail.com for comments, feedback and inquiries

The Magic Triangle of Maritime, Energy and Finance with Gyorgyi Gurban, IMO

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Hassan Abbas, CEO of<a href="https://sky47.com.pk/about" rel="nofollow"> Sky 47</a> joins this episode of the <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-sphere-podcast/?viewAsMember=true" rel="nofollow">Energy Sphere </a>and explains why data centers are no longer just an IT story, but a national infrastructure play shaped by energy, policy, and sovereignty. With hosts <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-kazmi/" rel="nofollow">Sarah Kazmi </a>and Asjadullah Qureshi, this episode pulls back the curtain on Sky 47&#39;s 8.5 MW Islamabad campus, the company&#39;s plan to add 50 MW across Karachi and Lahore, and why its launch has already increased Pakistan&#39;s data center capacity by 23%. Hassan also makes the case for keeping Pakistani data within Pakistani borders, arguing that resilience, autonomy, and security matter as much as speed and scale.You&#39;ll discover:<ul><li>Why energy companies like Mari Energies are moving into data centers</li><li>How wheeling policy could unlock stranded power across Pakistan</li><li>Why small server rooms may be less efficient than a single purpose-built campus</li><li>The misconceptions around water use, grid strain, and environmental impact</li><li>Why AI will create a new wave of demand for large-scale, power-hungry infrastructure</li></ul> Contact: 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.

Sky47-The New Kid in Town | Ft. Hassan Abbas, CEO

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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

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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

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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

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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