Govt to Distribute Seized Solar Panels in Designated Cities

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Power Division, and the government of Gilgit-Baltistan to devise a mechanism for distributing solar panels confiscated by Customs in Karachi. The panels are to be allocated to designated cities, with a formal distribution ceremony to be organized for the Prime Minister, according to a report by Business Recorder. The directives were issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on the reliability of Gwadar’s power supply and the progress of 100 MW solar projects in Gilgit-Baltistan. During the meeting, the Prime Minister called for the 40 MW power plant in Gwadar to be classified as a strategic project and instructed that the case for necessary approvals be submitted to the federal cabinet within two weeks. He also emphasized the need to accelerate the solarization of pumping stations and desalination plants in Gwadar, directing the Power Division to review current timelines and provide an update on progress. The Power Division has been tasked with supporting the Balochistan government in the design, bidding, and execution of these solarization projects. For Gilgit-Baltistan, the Prime Minister ordered that the results of the rooftop solar project bidding process be presented to him before any contracts are awarded. He also called for third-party validation of the 100 MW solar project in the region and directed the Power Division to review and expedite the project’s timeline. To ensure transparency and efficiency, the Power Division has been asked to consider splitting the 82 MW utility-scale solar component into smaller lots to encourage competition and speed up completion. The Chief Secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan has been instructed to ensure timely land availability and the completion of non-solar infrastructure for these projects. Additionally, Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has been directed to brief Information Minister Ataullah Tarar on the 100 MW Gilgit-Baltistan solar project to raise public awareness, particularly in the region.