Overview
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a review on Tuesday and confirmed the federal government will cover the full cost of a 100‑megawatt solar programme for Gilgit‑Baltistan while directing officials to speed up implementation.
- The package is split into an 18MW solarisation drive for public buildings and an 82MW household supply scheme serving Gilgit, Skardu, Chilas and Khaplu.
- Officials told the meeting that Baltistan’s government‑building work is targeted for completion by October 2026 and that solarisation in the Gilgit and Diamer divisions is expected by December 2026.
- The prime minister ordered independent third‑party validation at all stages to ensure transparency and quality, reflecting federal concern about oversight in large infrastructure projects.
- Government briefings say the plan aims to cut reliance on costly fuel‑based generation and deliver steadier, cheaper and cleaner power to remote communities, but officials acknowledge steep logistical hurdles in the region’s mountainous terrain that must be managed during rollout.