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Ecnec Approves 100MW Solar Power Project for Gilgit-Baltistan
Ecnec okays Rs24.9bn 100MW solar power project for GB, to benefit 13 districts in 3 phases over 3 years. Move follows protests over crippling power outages.
ND
by News Desk
2025-08-09
Ecnec Approves 100MW Solar Power Project for Gilgit-Baltistan

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) has approved a 100-megawatt solar photovoltaic power project for Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), according to state-run Radio Pakistan. The project aims to address the region’s chronic electricity shortages and is set to benefit multiple districts across GB.

Formal work on the Rs24,957 million project will now commence, following its earlier approval by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP). The initiative was first announced by the prime minister during his recent visit to GB, where he pledged swift action to alleviate the region’s energy crisis.

Under the plan, electricity will be distributed in three phases:

  • Phase 1: Skardu district will receive 18.96MW.
  • Phase 2: Hunza, Gilgit, and Diamer will be supplied with 6MW, 28MW, and 13MW respectively.
  • Phase 3: The remaining districts — Astore, Darel, Tangir, Ghanche, Ghizer, Ishkoman, Nagar, Roundu, and Shigar — will collectively receive 16.1MW.

The project is scheduled for completion within three years.

The development follows widespread protests in June across several GB districts against prolonged loadshedding and power outages. Demonstrators had blocked key roads, including the Karakoram Highway, demanding urgent government intervention. The issue was also raised in the GB Assembly by opposition lawmakers, who described the crisis as making life “unbearable” for residents.

Officials say the solar power project will significantly reduce dependence on hydropower, which is prone to seasonal fluctuations, and will provide a more reliable energy supply year-round.

 
Tagged:

Pakistan

SolarEnergy

GilgitBaltistan

Ecnec

RenewableEnergy
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