PM Shehbaz orders 100MW solar project in Gilgit visit

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that a 100-megawatt solar energy project in Gilgit-Baltistan be completed by mid next year, as he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of several development projects during a one-day official visit to the region on Thursday.

Upon his arrival in Gilgit, the prime minister was received by Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Yaar Muhammad. He later addressed a ceremony where he reiterated the federal government’s commitment to accelerating development in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

PM Shehbaz said that all necessary resources would be provided to address the region’s long-standing development challenges. He emphasised that education, energy, and youth development remained key priorities of his government.

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During the visit, the prime minister announced the establishment of four Daanish schools in Gilgit-Baltistan. He said these institutions would offer free education, meals, and uniforms, and would be equipped with modern facilities such as smart boards and e-libraries to improve the quality of learning.

He also highlighted youth-focused initiatives under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, stating that laptops and business and agriculture loan cheques were being distributed strictly on merit. According to him, these initiatives are aimed at empowering students and promoting entrepreneurship in the region.

Referring to regional affairs, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan had played a key role in facilitating a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that the agreement would lead to lasting peace in the region. He added that this diplomatic effort would be remembered positively in history.

The prime minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including federal ministers and senior officials. During the visit, he also held separate meetings with the governor and chief minister, where discussions focused on development projects, governance issues, and law and order in the region.