Islamabad (Pakistan News): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that complete transparency be ensured in the 100-megawatt solar energy project for Gilgit-Baltistan and that it be completed within the stipulated time.
A review meeting regarding the 100-megawatt solar project for Gilgit-Baltistan was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, during which detailed discussions were held on the project's progress and upcoming phases.
The Prime Minister said that promoting environmentally friendly, clean, affordable, and sustainable energy is an important part of the national energy policy. He said that the 100-megawatt solar project is a gift from the federal government to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Shehbaz Sharif directed the Power Division to effectively fulfill all responsibilities for the installation and timely completion of the project. He emphasized that transparency must be ensured in all stages of solar project procurement and that all payments should be made after third-party verification.
The meeting was briefed that under the project, solar systems with battery storage having a capacity of 18 megawatts will be installed on the rooftops of 499 government buildings in Gilgit-Baltistan by December 2026.
The briefing stated that the PC-1 of the 82-megawatt utility-scale solar project has been sent to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for approval, which will benefit approximately 1.3 million people.
According to officials, completion of the project will improve the quality of electricity supply in Gilgit-Baltistan and help eliminate load shedding.
Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Leghari, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, and other relevant senior officials attended the meeting.