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Global concern over socioeconomic activities' environmental impact is undeniable, given their implications for climate and human welfare. In our study, we analyze Pakistan's landscape, with emphasis on the effects of electricity generation and consumption (both symmetric and asymmetric), energy trade, and the role of information and communication technology (ICT). We harnessed data from 1993 to 2020, sourced from World Development Indicators, Climate Watch, and the USA EIA. Our analysis involved application of the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag model and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag bounds testing methods. Our results reveal that electricity consumption, whether experiencing positive or negative shocks, exhibits a tendency to elevate emissions over the long term. Similarly, shocks in electricity generation from fossil fuels, whether positive or negative, have adverse environmental consequences both in the short and long run. A negative shock in electricity generation from renewable and alternative sources triggers environmental degradation. Remarkably, nuclear energy plays a pivotal role in bolstering environmental sustainability in Pakistan. Conversely, we identified factors contributing to ecological degradation, including imports of coal, crude oil, metallurgical coke, and ICT usage, in the long run. Equally, trade and natural resources rent emerge as mitigating factors over time. Ultimately, our study underscores the importance of diversifying the energy mix, with a particular emphasis on expanding the renewable sources for reducing emissions and fostering environmental sustainability in Pakistan. Additionally, our research suggests that leveraging natural resources rent and trade capabilities can pave the way for an eco-friendlier future in the country. This study assesses the environmental impact of electricity generation by source, electricity consumption, energy trade, and ICTs in Pakistan. The findings confirm that both positive and negative shocks in fossil fuel electricity generation and consumption detrimentally affect the environment. Coal, crude oil, metallurgical coke imports, and ICTs degrade the environment, while nuclear electricity generation, natural resources rent, and trade improve it. Integrating energy diversification with focus on promoting renewable energy sources has the potential to significantly reduce emissions and advance long-run environmental sustainability. Strategically utilizing natural resources rent and trade capabilities can aid in establishing an environmental sustainability in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]