ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed relevant authorities to accelerate execution of the 100-megawatt (MW) solar power initiative in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). Chairing a high-level review meeting in the capital, the premier emphasized the need to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks to provide the region with sustainable, affordable energy.
Key Highlights
- PM Shehbaz Sharif orders immediate acceleration of the 100MW solar project in GB.
- The federal government will completely bear all financial expenses for the initiative.
- Mandatory independent third-party validation was ordered to ensure total transparency.
- An 18MW public building solarization project is on track for completion later this year.
- An 82MW regional housing solarization project is simultaneously underway.
Federal Funding and Strict Transparency Measures
According to an official press release from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the federal government will fully fund the development of the clean energy infrastructure. To safeguard public resources, Prime Minister Sharif strictly ordered that independent third-party validations be conducted at every phase of deployment. He noted that the initiative remains critical to overcoming the chronic energy deficits faced by northern communities, particularly during peak winter months.
The 100MW umbrella project originally received formal legislative backing in August 2025 when the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved its execution. The Prime Minister subsequently finalized operational clearances last December, framing the green transition as a foundational necessity for the region’s long-term environmental preservation.
Structured Timeline for Public and Residential Units
During the session, administrative heads briefed the attendees on the multi-tiered progress of the localized clean energy transition. The comprehensive strategy splits the target into distinctive commercial and domestic tracks to maximize grid efficiency across different divisions.
Gilgit-Baltistan Solar Infrastructure Timeline (2026)
• October 2026: Target completion for building solarization in Baltistan Division.
• December 2026: Target completion for building solarization in Gilgit & Diamer Divisions.
• Ongoing Phase: 82MW clean energy allocation across residential sectors.
The briefing confirmed that an 18MW phase dedicated exclusively to public sector offices is moving ahead efficiently. Structural conversions in the Baltistan division are slated for completion by October, followed closely by the Gilgit and Diamer divisions in December. Concurrently, technical teams are executing the remaining 82MW residential installation phase across key urban hubs, including Skardu, Chilas, Gilgit, and Khaplo, to integrate consumer households into the localized solar grid.
