ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed authorities to ensure the timely completion of the proposed 100-megawatt solar power project for Gilgit-Baltistan, describing the promotion of clean, affordable and sustainable energy as a central pillar of Pakistan’s national energy strategy.

Chairing a review meeting on the project, the prime minister said the 100MW solar initiative was a gift from the federal government to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and instructed the Power Division to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe.

He also directed officials to ensure complete transparency in the procurement process, stressing that all payments should be made only after third-party validation.

During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on the project’s progress, informing him that rooftop solar systems with a combined generation capacity of 18MW, along with battery storage, would be installed on 499 government buildings by December 2026.

The meeting was also informed that the PC-I for an 82MW utility-scale solar power project had been submitted to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for approval.

According to the briefing, the 82MW utility-scale project is expected to benefit approximately 1.3 million people across Gilgit-Baltistan by improving the reliability and quality of electricity supply.

Officials said the project would help reduce electricity shortages and contribute significantly towards eliminating load-shedding in the region.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, and other senior government officials.