PM Shehbaz orders installation of 10,000MW solar power plants
Says generating electricity through imported fuel proving costly: New project to reduce import bill of expensive diesel and furnace oil, and save foreign exchange
September 1, 2022 03:50 PM
Realizing that generating electricity through imported fuel proved costly, which then put burden on people’s purse, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved the installation of solar power plants in the country, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The prime minister ordered immediately starting work on the project so that masses could be provided relief before the start of next summer season.
Under the project, 10,000 megawatts of electricity will be produced from these solar plants, which will save Pakistan billions of dollars.
In the first phase, electricity thus produced will be supplied to government buildings, tube-wells and the households consuming less units of electricity.
PM Shehbaz also directed that a conference be called next week for bidding for the project.
The prime minister, who chaired a meeting in Islamabad to provide major relief to the masses, said the electricity should be generated through solar instead of imported fuel. The decision has been taken to save the foreign exchange as it would help the country save billions of dollars.
Shehbaz directed the relevant authorities to ensure the early installation of solar plants to provide relief to the people before the next summer season. He asked the authorities concerned to immediately start the execution of the project.
PM to visit Gilgit-Baltistan tomorrow
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to visit Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) tomorrow (Friday) where he would announce a relief package for flood affectees of the area.
Talking to media in Islamabad on Thursday, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Qamar Zaman Kaira said that the package which was announced for the people of the flood-affected areas in Pakistan will be implemented in Gilgit Baltistan as well.
The minister said one million rupees has been announced by the federal government under the prime minister’s package as death compensation for the heirs of those who died during recent floods.
Similarly, a package has also been announced for the injured.
Reporter: Awais Kiyani