In a bid to resolve the electricity woes of Balochistan especially Gwadar, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced to provide solar panels to domestic consumers of the port city, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

Chairing a meeting to review the progress over power transmission lines in Balochistan in Islamabad on Friday, Shehbaz Sharif said the supply of solar panels to domestic consumers would be a gift from the federal government to the people of Gwadar.

The prime minister, in this regard, directed an action plan to be submitted to him within 10 days. He also directed a comprehensive off-grid system for immediate supply of electricity to Gwadar, calling for formulation of strategies to set up offshore and onshore wind power projects in Gwadar. 

The meeting was given a detailed briefing on construction of power transmission lines between Jeewani, Gwadar, Pasni, Ormara, Panjgur and Iran.

PM Sharif emphasized to speed up the work of transmission lines in South Balochistan and ordered completion in December this year. 

The prime minister said delay in completion of projects would not be tolerated.  

He urged the relevant departments to ensure cost-cutting in long term plans. 

He said the government had the responsibility to save people’s money and ensure its proper use.

PM Sharif said uninterrupted power supply would be ensured to make Gwadar port the most modern port in the world. 

The meeting was informed that short-term and long-term plans regarding transmission lines were being launched.

Within six months, the government will be able to supply Gwadar with an additional 100 megawatts of electricity from Iran.

The total power supply will be 260 MW while the consumption will be 236 MW.

In addition, after the completion of Khuzdar-Panjgur transmission line in December 2022, the 90 MW system will be further enhanced. Work on this project is also in full swing.

It was informed that the feasibility of Hub-Ormara transmission line is being prepared. An additional 200 MW system will be provided after completion of this transmission line.

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Engineer Khurram Dastagir, DG Frontier Works Organization Major General Kamal Azfar and concerned senior officials. 

Reporter Awais Kiyani