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PM Shehbaz announces 100MW solar power project for Gilgit-Baltistan


PM Shehbaz

GILGIT: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced a 100 megawatts solar power project for Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) to address the region’s persistent power shortages.

During his one-day visit to Gilgit and Ghizer, stringent security measures were in place with heavy contingents of security forces and rangers deployed. The local media was not permitted to cover the events. However, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Eman Shah briefed the media after the visit concluded.

In his briefing, Eman Shah stated that the prime minister directed the completion of the solar power project within one year, with an inauguration planned for November 1 next year. PM Shehbaz also inaugurated a model village in the Ghizer district to provide housing for residents affected by the devastating 2022 floods. This model village spans 110 kanals and includes homes with two bedrooms, solar power, a water supply, and road connectivity. The premier also instructed the immediate construction of a school, a dispensary, and a playground to support the community.

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PM Shehbaz recalled his visit to the flood-hit region in August 2022, where he witnessed the destruction firsthand. He recounted the story of Qandeel, a teenage girl from Bubar village, and her father, who were among the few survivors from their family. The prime minister had initially announced a Rs5 million endowment fund for Qandeel, which has since increased to Rs6.7 million to support her education and future.

The premier was also briefed on Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects in the region. It was announced that Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal would visit GB soon for a week-long review of these projects.

Additionally, the prime minister announced Rs500 million each for the creation of endowment funds for Karakoram International University and Baltistan University to alleviate tuition fee issues.

PM Shehbaz directed the secretary of communication to develop a strategy for constructing protective sheds in landslide-prone areas along Shahrah-e-Baltistan in response to rising accidents and landslides.

The SACM shared that PM Shehbaz performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the 54 megawatts Attabad hydro-power project, which is estimated to cost Rs 22 billion and will be completed in four years. The project’s bidding is set for December, with long-term benefits expected for Hunza, Nagar, and Gilgit districts. Two Chinese companies involved in the construction of the Mohmand and Diamer-Bhasha Dams have shown interest in participating in this project.

The prime minister also laid the foundation for the Greater Hunza Water Supply Scheme, set for completion in two years. He inaugurated the Naltar Expressway, Phase II of the Optic Fiber project, and the new building for Baltistan University.

Eman Shah said that a committee would be formed to expedite the stalled process of constitutional rights for GB, ensuring fast-tracked progress on this critical issue.

During his visit, GB Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and Chief Minister Gulbar Khan separately met with the prime minister. PM Shehbaz also paid tribute at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada (Martyrs’ Monument) at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat and held a meeting with party president Hafizur Rehman and party workers.

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