Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched several major development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan aimed at improving energy supply, education, security, and youth opportunities in the mountainous region.
The prime minister inaugurated renewable energy initiatives, announced new Safe City projects, and laid the foundation stones for multiple Daanish Schools during a ceremony in Gilgit. He also distributed free solar panels, laptops, and business loan cheques among students and young entrepreneurs.
Officials described the projects as a major step toward economic growth and better living standards in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Government Launches Large Solar Energy Programme in Gilgit-Baltistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated a 100-megawatt solar power project designed to address electricity shortages in the region. The government also launched the distribution of 58 megawatts worth of free solar panels for domestic and commercial consumers.
According to the prime minister, more than 50,000 applications were received under the scheme. Around 15,000 beneficiaries were selected through a transparent digital balloting process based entirely on merit.
He directed authorities to complete the project by mid-2027 to ensure stable electricity supply, especially during severe winter conditions in northern areas.
The prime minister also revealed that solar panels confiscated during a fraud investigation were redirected for free public distribution instead of being auctioned.
Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari stated that the total project cost increased from Rs24 billion to Rs32 billion after adding battery storage systems.
He explained that the storage system would ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and increase the number of beneficiaries from 600,000 to more than 1.3 million people.
Officials added that the first phase of the solarisation programme would install 18MW systems across 499 buildings, while future phases would establish 82MW solar parks in three divisions of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Daanish Schools and Youth Schemes Aim to Expand Opportunities
The prime minister also laid the foundation stones for four Daanish Schools in Sultanabad, Bunji, Ghanche, and Skardu.
These schools are intended to provide modern education facilities for underprivileged children from remote areas. The institutions will include smart classrooms, e-libraries, free boarding, meals, and updated learning systems.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed officials to maintain high educational standards and ensure merit-based recruitment of local teachers.
He said talented students from low-income families would receive opportunities to compete at national and international levels through quality education.
The prime minister also announced that girls would receive completely free education in these schools.
Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah said the institutions would offer educational standards comparable to elite schools in Pakistan.
During the ceremony, the prime minister distributed laptops to high-achieving students under the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme.
He also provided loan cheques under the Prime Minister’s Youth Agriculture and Business Loan Scheme to encourage entrepreneurship and employment among young people.
The prime minister praised the determination of Gilgit-Baltistan’s youth and stated that all selections under government programmes were conducted strictly on merit without political influence.
Safe City Projects and Regional Diplomacy Also Highlighted
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated Phase-II of the Gilgit Safe City Project and announced the launch of the Skardu Safe City initiative.
He directed authorities to ensure that security systems in the region match or exceed the standards of the Safe City network operating in Lahore.
The Safe City projects are expected to improve surveillance, emergency response, and public security across major urban centres in Gilgit-Baltistan.
During his speech, the prime minister also discussed regional diplomatic developments. He claimed Pakistan had played an important role in helping broker a ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
He praised the efforts of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir for supporting regional stability and preventing prolonged conflict.
Senior federal ministers, regional leaders, and government officials attended the event, including Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and Chief Minister Yar Mohammad.
The projects are expected to improve infrastructure, educational access, energy supply, and economic opportunities across Gilgit-Baltistan in the coming years.
