Centre to fund 100MW G-B solar project: PM

Solarisation in Gilgit, Diamer divisions to be completed by December 2026

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STRATEGIC CRASH: A combination image shows a US Air Force B-52 bomber (left) crashing at Edwards Air Force Base in California and a Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber going down in Russia’s Irkutsk Oblast. PHOTOS: SCREENGRABS/X

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ISLAMABAD:

The federal government would bear the cost of a 100-megawatt solar power project for Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday while chairing a review meeting in Islamabad on the initiative, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

The prime minister directed officials to accelerate work on the project and ensure its completion at the earliest possible date. He also ordered independent third-party validation at all stages of implementation to ensure transparency.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Power Minister Awais Leghari, Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Amir Muqam, and senior government officials attended the meeting.

During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on the progress of the federal government's solar energy initiatives in G-B.

According to the briefing, an 18-megawatt (MW) solar energy project was being implemented for government buildings across the region.

The solarisation of government buildings in the Gilgit and Diamer divisions is expected to be completed by December 2026, while work in the Baltistan division is scheduled to be completed by October 2026.

Officials also informed the meeting that work was underway on an 82MW solar energy project for households in Gilgit, Skardu, Chilas, and Khaplu.

Natural resources

The premier reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to tackling land degradation, desertification and drought, and emphasized the need for collective action to protect and restore the country's natural resources in the face of growing climate challenges.

In a message issued on the occasion of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, observed this year under the theme "Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore", the prime minister said Pakistan joined the international community in renewing its resolve to address environmental degradation and promote sustainable land management.

He noted that rangelands play a crucial role in ensuring food security, conserving biodiversity, strengthening climate resilience, managing water resources and supporting sustainable agricultural livelihoods.

The prime minister described Pakistan's vast rangelands as valuable natural assets that support livestock-based livelihoods and the rural economy while contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecological balance.

Highlighting the country's vulnerability to climate change, he said rising temperatures, prolonged dry spells, water scarcity and land degradation posed significant threats to agricultural productivity and national food security.

"The Government of Pakistan is fully committed to addressing these challenges through a comprehensive strategy focused on land restoration, sustainable rangeland management, afforestation, ecosystem restoration initiatives, drought mitigation and the active participation of local communities," he said.

Shehbaz also highlighted the federal government's "Zarkhaiz Scheme," launched to strengthen and modernize the agricultural economy. Under the initiative, farmers are being provided interest-free loans to help improve and protect the productivity of agricultural land.

He said substantial resources had been allocated under the scheme to benefit millions of small farmers across the country. In addition to financial assistance, the programme offers subsidies on agricultural machinery aimed at enhancing productivity while encouraging sustainable land management practices.

The prime minister urged federal and provincial governments, relevant institutions, academia, civil society organizations, the private sector and local communities to intensify collaboration for the protection, restoration and sustainable management of land resources.

He said that through afforestation, collective action and close cooperation, Pakistan could strengthen its resilience to climate change and secure a stable and prosperous future for coming generations.

The prime minister concluded by urging all stakeholders to renew their commitment to safeguarding and restoring the country's fertile lands, forests and natural rangelands.