In the realm of Pakistan’s power sector, a contentious debate brews between the traditional grid system and the burgeoning rooftop solar initiatives. Dr. Khalid Waleed, an esteemed authority in energy economics, delves into the intricacies of this debate and offers a roadmap for sustainable energy transition. Pakistan witnessed a notable decrease in electricity consumption, a 10% drop from FY2022 to FY2023. While this may seem positive on the surface, it presents challenges for the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) and Distribution Companies (DISCOs), entangled in take-or-pay contracts with power plants. The rise of rooftop solar exacerbates this scenario, potentially leading to the infamous solar duck curve, where solar energy peaks during the day and dips at night. The historical context of Pakistan’s power sector planning reveals a pattern of short-sightedness. In response to previous crises, long-term power purchasing agreements (PPAs) were inked, contributing to today’s affordability crisis. Simultaneously, consumers