Digital Balloting Begins for Free Solar Scheme in Gilgit-Baltistan

Gilgit-Baltistan – (Web Desk) – Caretaker Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan Justice (R) Yar Muhammad has formally launched the transparent digital balloting process for applicants from Gilgit District under the first phase of the Prime Minister’s free solar scheme for the region.

Addressing a ceremony held in this regard, the caretaker chief minister described the initiative launched by the Prime Minister of Pakistan as a historic and transformative step for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, saying it would help address the region’s long-standing energy challenges. He emphasized that the government remains committed to transparency, merit, and equal opportunities, which is why a modern digital balloting system has been adopted to ensure fair selection of beneficiaries.

He said the project will provide solar panels with a total capacity of 58 megawatts, of which 40 megawatts are allocated for domestic consumers and 18 megawatts for small businesses and IT-related enterprises. The caretaker chief minister added that the solar panels have already been transported from Karachi to Gilgit-Baltistan, and implementation of the project is progressing rapidly. The initiative, he noted, will not only help reduce the electricity shortage but also provide residents with environmentally friendly and sustainable energy.

Speaking to the media after the ceremony, provincial ministers Sajid Ali Baig, Engineer Altaf Hussain, and Syed Adil Shah praised the Prime Minister’s initiative, saying the project would bring significant relief to the people of the region. They added that promoting alternative energy would help address electricity shortages while also contributing positively to environmental protection. They noted that in the context of global warming, clean and renewable energy projects are the need of the hour.

Additional Chief Secretary Development Mushtaq Ahmed briefed participants that the distribution of solar panels will be carried out with full transparency under the supervision of the energy minister, with all districts included in the scheme on an equal basis. He said that based on data from the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), the most deserving families will receive complete solar systems free of cost, including batteries and inverters.

He further said that a comprehensive monitoring system has been established under the Project Monitoring and Reforms Unit (PMRU) to ensure transparent implementation and distribution. The first digital balloting in Gilgit district was completed transparently on the same day, while the process was also completed in the districts of Nagar District, Hunza District, and Ghizer District.

According to the schedule, the next phase of balloting will be held in Astore District and Diamer District, after which the process will be extended in phases to other districts of the Baltistan division.

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Provincial government spokesperson Shabbir Mir said the main objective of the scheme is to ensure fair and transparent distribution of solar systems among applicants so that genuinely deserving families can benefit. He added that the government of Gilgit-Baltistan is grateful to the Prime Minister of Pakistan for launching this important and long-term project for the region.

He expressed hope that the initiative would significantly reduce the electricity crisis while also promoting clean and renewable energy, contributing to the economic and social development of the region.