ISLAMABAD, Jul 8: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was told on Wednesday that under the 100 MW Solar Energy Project for Gilgit-Baltistan, 18 MW of rooftop solar systems, including battery storage, will be installed on 499 government buildings by December 2026.

In addition, the PC-I for the 82 MW utility-scale solar project has been submitted to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for approval.

Officials informed that the 82 MW utility-scale solar project is expected to benefit approximately 1.3 million people. Upon completion, the project will significantly improve the quality of electricity services in Gilgit-Baltistan and help eliminate load shedding across the region.

These updates were shared during a review meeting on the 100 MW Solar Energy Project for Gilgit-Baltistan, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

During the meeting, the prime minister said that the promotion of solar energy was a key component of the national energy strategy aimed at providing clean, affordable, and sustainable power. He described the 100 MW solar project as a gift from the Federal Government to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The prime minister directed the Power Division to fulfill all its responsibilities to ensure the timely installation and completion of the project. He also instructed that complete transparency be maintained throughout the procurement process.

Emphasizing accountability, the prime minister further directed that all payments under the project be made only after third-party validation.

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