The federal government has planned to establish a 100 MW solar power project in Gilgit-Baltistan as part of the Public Sector Development Programme, Business Recorder reported.

The decision was made during a recent meeting chaired by the Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam.

Sources told the news outlet the solar project will be implemented in GB following a feasibility study and needs assessment to maximise developmental benefits for the region. A third-party arrangement will be put in place to ensure quality assurance, with an operations and maintenance contract lasting three years.

The GB chief secretary said that the GB cabinet has approved the hiring of NESPAK as the consultant for the feasibility study. The distribution of the 100MW capacity will allocate 40MW for Gilgit and 20MW each for Skardu, Chilas, and Ghanche. The existing distribution system in GB will be utilised to transport the generated electricity.

Financing for the feasibility study will be provided by the GB government, with completion expected by January 31, 2025. Once finalised, the updated project document (PC-1) will be submitted through the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan to the Public Development Sector Implementation for approval, with tenders anticipated to be issued by April 2025.

The Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan Division secretary emphasised the need to select an international firm with solar energy expertise for a potential joint venture with NESPAK. The Private Power and Infrastructure Board has assured support to the GB government in this endeavour.

To address potential fiscal constraints on mainstream PSDP funding, the minister for Kashmir Affairs suggested that funding for the solar project should come from the PM’s Special Package. He noted that while the project would proceed at full capacity, it could be completed in phases, with yearly allocations from the Special Package.

They also discussed the construction of the Pakistan Sports Board Coaching Centre in Skardu. A request for Rs200 million from the PM Special Package for GB was made to the PM Office. The project, valued at Rs764 million, has already been approved by the Departmental Development Working Party and will include a gymnasium, multipurpose hall, indoor game facilities, and a football ground.

The GB chief secretary confirmed that land for the coaching centre has already been allocated by the GB government. A proposal was made to transfer project execution to the GB government for faster implementation and better post-completion operations. The chief secretary and additional secretary of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination agreed in principle.

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Furthermore, they discussed a proposal for allocating Rs300 million from the Export Development Fund to upgrade Lapidary Centers in Gilgit and Skardu. The Ministry of Commerce was urged to expedite the GB government’s case, which addresses initial concerns from the EDF.