Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the installation of a 100 MW solar power plant in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) as directed by the Prime Minister. Key officials, including the Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan and senior representatives from the Ministry of Planning and Energy, attended the meeting. Highlighting the severe electricity crisis in GB, Ahsan Iqbal termed the situation “criminal negligence” and pointed out that 18-hour power outages were creating a sense of deprivation among the people and discouraging potential investors. The minister shared that during his recent visit to China, he invited Chinese companies to invest in solar projects in GB. He directed the Power Division to prioritize solar energy solutions, ensure a transparent bidding process, and prepare a detailed timeline for implementation. He emphasized the viability of solar energy as an off-grid solution for the region and instructed the inclusion of the solar project in the PC-1 document. He also called for a comprehensive strategy to ensure timely completion of ongoing energy projects under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP). The meeting lauded the early completion of the 16 MW Naltar Hydropower Project as a key step in addressing the region’s energy challenges.
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