The federal government will bear all costs of the 100MW solar power supply project for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while chairing a meeting on Tuesday, read an official statement.
During the meeting, relevant officials gave a briefing on the government’s solar energy project in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The meeting was informed that the 18MW solar project for government buildings in the Gilgit and Diamer Divisions will be completed by December 2026.
Whereas, the solarisation project for government buildings in the Baltistan Division will be completed by October 2026.
Furthermore, the meeting was informed that work was also underway on an 82MW solar energy project for households in Gilgit, Skardu, Chilas, and Khaplu.
The premier directed that the project’s pace of work be accelerated and that it be completed as soon as possible.
He also instructed that independent third-party validation be ensured at all stages of the project to guarantee transparency.
Separately, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to tackling land degradation, desertification and drought, and emphasized the need for collective action to protect and restore the country’s natural resources in the face of growing climate challenges.
In a message issued on the occasion of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, observed this year under the theme “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore”, the prime minister said Pakistan joined the international community in renewing its resolve to address environmental degradation and promote sustainable land management.
He noted that rangelands play a crucial role in ensuring food security, conserving biodiversity, strengthening climate resilience, managing water resources and supporting sustainable agricultural livelihoods.
The prime minister described Pakistan’s vast rangelands as valuable natural assets that support livestock-based livelihoods and the rural economy while contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecological balance.
Highlighting the country’s vulnerability to climate change, he said rising temperatures, prolonged dry spells, water scarcity and land degradation posed significant threats to agricultural productivity and national food security.
“The Government of Pakistan is fully committed to addressing these challenges through a comprehensive strategy focused on land restoration, sustainable rangeland management, afforestation, ecosystem restoration initiatives, drought mitigation and the active participation of local communities,” he said.
Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted the federal government’s “Zarkhaiz Scheme,” launched to strengthen and modernize the agricultural economy. Under the initiative, farmers are being provided interest-free loans to help improve and protect the productivity of agricultural land.
He said substantial resources had been allocated under the scheme to benefit millions of small farmers across the country. In addition to financial assistance, the programme offers subsidies on agricultural machinery aimed at enhancing productivity while encouraging sustainable land management practices.
The prime minister urged federal and provincial governments, relevant institutions, academia, civil society organizations, the private sector and local communities to intensify collaboration for the protection, restoration and sustainable management of land resources.
He said that through afforestation, collective action and close cooperation, Pakistan could strengthen its resilience to climate change and secure a stable and prosperous future for coming generations.
The prime minister concluded by urging all stakeholders to renew their commitment to safeguarding and restoring the country’s fertile lands, forests and natural rangelands.