PM Shehbaz approves power projects for Gwadar, Gilgit-Baltistan

WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday chaired a review meeting on ongoing reforms in the power sector, approving major electricity projects for Gwadar and Gilgit-Baltistan aimed at ensuring reliable and affordable energy supply in both regions.

The prime minister gave the go-ahead for immediate implementation of a comprehensive plan to resolve longstanding electricity issues in Gwadar Port City. He directed all relevant institutions to work in coordination to deliver uninterrupted, reasonably priced and dependable power to the port and surrounding areas, noting that improved energy supply would boost economic activity and investment.

Briefing the meeting, the energy minister said that short-term measures had already reduced power outages in Gwadar by 42 per cent, and a plan to stabilise voltage levels over the next six months had been finalised. Officials added that steps were under way to ensure steady electricity for both domestic and commercial consumers. In the short term, 9.7MW of solar capacity will be installed across major public institutions within the next 8–12 months, while a 40MW project is planned for long-term stability. Rising industrial and urban expansion in Gwadar is expected to push electricity demand up by 30 per cent in the coming years.

The prime minister also approved a 100MW solar project for Gilgit-Baltistan, directing authorities to begin work without delay. The project comprises an 18MW rooftop solar programme and an 82MW utility-scale solar plant, both expected to be completed by 2027. The federal and GB governments’ joint initiatives are projected to save the national exchequer around Rs1 billion annually.

PM Shehbaz said the welfare and economic development of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan remain key priorities for the federal government, adding that efforts are under way to expand industrial activity, attract investment and strengthen the region’s economy. He praised the recommendations of the committee led by Ahsan Iqbal and the Ministry of Energy for their work on addressing power sector challenges.

Directing the Ministry of Energy to ensure effective implementation of immediate, short-term and long-term projects included in the newly formulated strategy, the prime minister emphasised that modernising power supply systems would bring Pakistan’s industrial infrastructure closer to regional and international standards. He added that uninterrupted power and improved facilities would help transform Gwadar Port into one of the world’s leading ports and a major hub of future economic activities.