Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab, Fuad Hashim Rabbani, has said the government is taking practical steps to promote clean and renewable energy in the region.
Speaking to the media during a visit to South Punjab’s largest solar energy exhibition in Multan, Mr Rabbani said the region is naturally rich in solar potential and must harness its abundant sunlight to meet energy needs sustainably.
He said the government is rapidly converting hospitals, schools and other public buildings to solar power to cut electricity costs and encourage environmentally friendly solutions.
Rabbani pointed out that two major solar power plants are already operational in the region. “The Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in Bahawalpur is Pakistan’s first grid-connected solar project, while another large plant has been installed in Layyah,” he said.
He added that the government is also offering subsidies for the solarisation of agricultural tube wells, allowing farmers to access cheaper and eco-friendly power.
Touching on the promotion of electric vehicles, he said both federal and provincial governments are working to support the use of EVs – particularly electric motorcycles – by introducing favourable policies, tax breaks, and incentives for local manufacturing.
He said such exhibitions help raise public awareness, attract investment, and bring the private sector into the clean energy transition. He also appreciated stakeholders working in the solar energy sector and hoped the exhibition would mark a significant step forward for clean energy adoption in South Punjab.