ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s confirmation of lithium reserves in Sindh ignited hopes of a breakthrough in the country’s clean energy and manufacturing sectors, raising expectations that South Asian nation could produce its own lithium batteries instead of relying heavily on imports. Despite discovery, its a long process, and is only beginning of long journey before consumers can expect cheaper batteries or local lithium industry. The recent discovery prompted authorities to expand exploration efforts, with plans to examine eight to ten additional wells across Sindh to assess whether commercially viable lithium reserves exist elsewhere in the province. The development comes at a time when Pakistan’s appetite for lithium batteries is growing rapidly, driven by soaring demand for solar energy systems, electric mobility and consumer electronics. Pakistan lacks lithium processing and refining supply chain.