ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced that the federal government will fully finance a 100-megawatt solar power project for Gilgit-Baltistan, aiming to improve energy access and promote renewable power in the region.
Chairing a review meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister directed authorities to expedite work on the project and ensure its timely completion. He also instructed officials to implement independent third-party monitoring at every stage to maintain transparency and quality standards.
The meeting was attended by senior federal ministers, including Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Power Minister Awais Leghari, and Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Amir Muqam.
Officials briefed the prime minister on the progress of ongoing solar energy initiatives in Gilgit-Baltistan. According to the briefing, an 18MW solar project for government buildings is currently under implementation across the region.
The solarisation of government buildings in the Gilgit and Diamer divisions is expected to be completed by December 2026, while work in the Baltistan division is scheduled for completion by October 2026.
The meeting was also informed that an additional 82MW solar power project is being developed for residential consumers in Gilgit, Skardu, Chilas and Khaplu.
The initiative is expected to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources, lower electricity costs and improve the availability of clean energy for residents of Gilgit-Baltistan.
