Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed that the 100-megawatt solar power initiative for Gilgit-Baltistan be finalized within a one-year timeframe.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad regarding the project's progress, the prime minister made it clear that he would personally monitor its implementation.
Stressing its significance, he described the scheme as a top priority, meant to ensure a consistent supply of low-cost and environmentally responsible electricity to the region.
PM Shehbaz emphasized that the infrastructure of the solar project must be built to withstand climate challenges, underlining the need for resilience amid changing weather patterns.
He assured that the federal government would bear the full financial responsibility for the project, which he said was crucial to ending the longstanding issue of energy shortages in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Highlighting the urgency of addressing excessive power outages, ranging between eighteen to twenty hours daily in remote parts of GB, the premier called solar power the most appropriate and viable solution.
He noted that the shift to renewable energy sources such as solar would not only lower electricity costs but also reduce environmental harm.
PM Shehbaz emphasized the importance of blending renewable options like solar and hydropower into the broader national energy mix to help Pakistan deal with the severe consequences of climate change.
He issued clear instructions to ensure that energy from both solar and hydel sources remains available to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly during periods of extreme weather, in order to reduce the burden of power interruptions.
PM Shehbaz also demanded complete transparency throughout the development of the project.
During the meeting, the role of chairperson of the newly formed steering committee for the project was officially assigned to Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari.
Officials briefed the gathering on the layout of the solar scheme. It includes the creation of six solar parks in Gilgit, eight in Skardu, and another six in the Diamer region.
Furthermore, solar panels will be installed on 234 public buildings in Gilgit, 179 in Skardu, and 66 in Diamer.
The briefing also covered steps being taken to integrate battery backup systems and develop real-time monitoring capabilities to ensure efficient management of energy output.
The project’s budget, implementation timeline, and compliance with international quality standards were also reviewed during the session.
The initiative aligns with a commitment made by the prime minister during his recent visit to Gilgit, where he announced that ECNEC would soon grant approval for the solar power plants to address the region’s energy needs comprehensively.