PM orders transparency in Gilgit-Baltistan solar project

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday chaired a review meeting on the proposed 100-megawatt solar power project for Gilgit-Baltistan, describing the promotion of clean, affordable and sustainable energy as a key pillar of Pakistan’s national energy strategy.

The premier said the 100MW solar initiative was a gift from the federal government to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and directed the Power Division to ensure the project’s installation and completion within the stipulated timeframe.

He also instructed officials to maintain complete transparency in the procurement process and said all payments should be made only after third-party validation.

Rooftop and utility-scale solar projects

During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on the project’s progress, stating that rooftop solar systems with a combined capacity of 18MW, along with battery storage, would be installed on 499 government buildings by December 2026.

The meeting was further informed that the PC-I for an 82MW utility-scale solar project had been submitted to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for approval.

Project expected to benefit 1.3 million people

According to the briefing, the 82MW utility-scale project is expected to benefit around 1.3 million people across Gilgit-Baltistan by improving the quality and reliability of electricity services.

Officials said the completion of the project would help reduce power shortages and contribute to the elimination of load-shedding in the region.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, and other senior government officials.