PM approves projects to ensure uninterrupted power supply to Gwadar, GB

ISLAMABAD (APP) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday approved electricity projects for Gilgit Baltistan and Gwadar, including a 100 MW solar project in GB to ensure interrupted, affordable, and sustainable power supply.

Chairing a meeting on power sector initiatives in Gwadar and Gigilt Baltistan, the prime minister approved the immediate implementation of a comprehensive plan to resolve issues in the power supply to Gwadar Port City.

“All relevant institutions should work in complete coordination to ensure uninterrupted, affordable, and reliable power supply to Gwadar Port City,” the prime minister directed.

Issuing special directions for the immediate initiation of the 100-megawatt solar project in GB, the prime minister also directed that the project must ensure uninterrupted and sustainable provision of clean and environmentally friendly electricity.

“The welfare and economic development of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan is among the top priorities of the federal government,” the prime minister stated.

He added that every possible measure was being taken to promote industrial activity, investment, and economic growth in GB.

PM Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the recommendations and actions proposed by the committee led by Ahsan Iqbal and the Ministry of Energy regarding the resolution of electricity issues.

He instructed the Ministry of Energy to ensure effective implementation of the immediate, short-term, and long-term projects included in the comprehensive strategy.

“Uninterrupted electricity supply in Gwadar will certainly enhance national economic activity and investment,” the prime minister said.

He also emphasized that electricity supply for industries and investors in Pakistan should meet regional and international standards.

He added that uninterrupted power and other facilities will transform Gwadar Port into one of the world’s best ports and a future hub of economic activities.

Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, briefing the meeting, said that due to the ministry’s prompt actions, power supply disruptions in Gwadar had already been reduced by 42%.

After resolving outages, a comprehensive plan has also been prepared to stabilize the voltage of supplied electricity in Gwadar within the next six months, the minister said adding that effective and productive steps were being taken to ensure electricity supply to domestic and commercial consumers in Gwadar.

Among short-term projects, 9.7 megawatts of solar capacity will be installed in major government institutions within the next 8 to 12 months, while in the long-term projects for Gwadar, a 40-megawatt project will be installed to ensure sustainable power supply.

The meeting was informed that due to ongoing industrial and economic development, expansion of Gwadar Port, and growth in urban areas, electricity demand in Gwadar was expected to increase by 30% in the coming years.

The 100-megawatt solar project in Gilgit-Baltistan consists of two components: an 18-megawatt rooftop solar program and an 82-megawatt utility-scale solar project.

The rooftop and utility-scale solar projects in Gilgit-Baltistan will be completed by 2027, the briefing said adding that joint projects between the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan and the Ministry of Energy will save the government Rs 1 billion annually.

The government of Gilgit-Baltistan will ensure timely provision of land, communications, infrastructure, and other facilities for the electricity projects, the briefing added.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik, and other relevant government officials.