By Our Correspondent

GILGIT: Caretaker Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Justice (retd) Yar Muhammad formally inaugurated the initial phase of the Prime Minister’s free solar energy scheme on Thursday, beginning with a transparent digital lottery draw for applicants in Gilgit district.

Addressing the ceremony, the chief minister termed the initiative — launched by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif — a historic and transformative step toward addressing the region’s chronic energy shortages. He described it as a milestone that would promote sustainable, environmentally friendly power supply in the mountainous territory.

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“The government remains fully committed to transparency, merit, and equitable distribution,” he said, explaining that a modern digital lottery mechanism had been introduced to select beneficiaries impartially, ensuring benefits reach deserving households and businesses without discrimination.

The scheme, part of broader federal efforts to deploy solar capacity in Gilgit-Baltistan, will provide a total of 58 megawatts (approximately 58.8 MW) of solar systems. Of this, 40 MW is earmarked for domestic consumers, while 18 MW is allocated for small businesses and IT-linked enterprises.

Solar panels have already been transported from Karachi to the region, with implementation advancing swiftly. Officials anticipate the project will significantly mitigate electricity shortages while advancing clean and renewable energy access, contributing to environmental conservation amid global climate challenges.

Speaking to media after the event, provincial ministers Sajid Ali Beg, Engineer Altaf Hussain, and Syed Adil Shah lauded the prime minister’s vision, calling the scheme a major relief for residents. They emphasised that expanding alternative energy sources would curb power deficits and play a positive role in environmental protection, describing such initiatives as essential in the fight against global warming.

Additional Chief Secretary Mushtaq Ahmad briefed attendees that distribution would proceed with full transparency under the Minister for Energy’s oversight, with all districts included equitably.

He noted that the most vulnerable families, identified via Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) data, would receive complete solar systems — including free batteries and inverters.

A robust monitoring framework has been established through the Project Monitoring and Reforms Unit (PMRU) to oversee fair allocation. The Gilgit district draw was completed transparently on the day, with parallel processes underway in Nagar, Hunza, and Ghizer. Upcoming phases will cover Astore and Diamer, followed by remaining districts in the Baltistan division.

Government spokesperson Shabbir Mir reiterated that the scheme’s primary goal is equitable and transparent distribution to genuine beneficiaries.

He expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for this vital, long-term intervention, expressing confidence that it would substantially alleviate power crises and foster economic and social progress through promotion of renewable energy.

The initiative aligns with federal plans, including a separate 100 MW solar project (comprising rooftop and utility-scale components) aimed at ensuring reliable, affordable electricity in the region by mid-2026 or later phases.

Beneficiary numbers under the free panel distribution have been reported in the range of over 147,000 eligible applicants in various updates, with panels largely sourced from confiscated stocks repurposed for public welfare.