ISLAMABAD:

Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday chaired a meeting regarding the installation of a 100-megawatt solar power plant in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), an area that has remained neglected and faced repeated electricity load-shedding for long durations.

The meeting was attended by the G-B chief secretary, minister of Kashmir affairs and G-B, additional secretary of the Ministry of Planning, chief of energy of the Ministry of Planning and other senior officers, according to a news release.

Speaking at the meeting, Ahsan Iqbal termed the severe power shortage in G-B criminal negligence and said that 18-hour load-shedding was creating a sense of deprivation among people. In such circumstances, he stated, no investor would be willing to invest in the region.

The minister mentioned that during his recent visit to China he invited Chinese companies to install solar systems in G-B. He asked the Power Division to immediately initiate work on solar energy and complete a transparent bidding process to select the best company.

Iqbal stated that off-grid solar power was the best source of electricity and emphasised that immediate steps should be taken for the project.

He gave directives that a clear timeline and matrix be set to increase power generation in G-B, adding that the solar project should be included in future plan and a comprehensive strategy be prepared for its generation and operation.

He stressed the need for early completion of energy projects in G-B under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

Meeting participants appreciated the early completion of 16MW Naltar hydropower project, calling it a welcoming and important step towards resolving the energy crisis.