PM calls clean, affordable energy cornerstone of national energy strategy

• Premier Shehbaz launches 100MW solar push for Gilgit-Baltistan, vowing transparent and timely execution

• Terms flagship solar project a federal government's gift to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan

• Orders transparent procurement, mandates third-party validation before release of all project payments

• Pays tribute to Madr-e-Millat Fatima Jinnah, hailing her enduring legacy in Pakistan's freedom movement and nation-building

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday declared the promotion of clean, affordable and sustainable energy a cornerstone of Pakistan's national energy strategy, describing the proposed 100-megawatt solar power project for Gilgit-Baltistan as a gift from the federal government to the people of the region and directing authorities to ensure its timely completion with complete transparency.

Chairing a review meeting on the proposed 100MW solar power project for Gilgit-Baltistan, the prime minister instructed the Power Division to complete the installation within the stipulated timeframe and emphasised that the procurement process must remain fully transparent, with all payments to be made only after third-party validation, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

اسلام آباد : 8 جولائی، 2026

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت گلگت بلتستان کے لئے 100 میگا واٹ شمسی توانائی منصوبے پر جائزہ اجلاس آج اسلام آباد میں منعقد ہوا.

اجلاس سے گفتگو کرتے ہوئے وزیرِ اعظم نے کہا کہ ماحول دوست صاف، سستی اور پائیدار توانائی کے فروغ کے لیے شمسی توانائی… pic.twitter.com/HJjlpgVCH7

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) July 8, 2026

Addressing the meeting, the prime minister said the promotion of solar energy was a key component of the government's vision for environment-friendly, clean, affordable and sustainable energy.

“The Power Division should fulfill its responsibility regarding the installation and timely completion of the 100 MW solar project,” he emphasised.

PM Shehbaz also directed the authorities to ensure complete transparency in the procurement process, reiterating that all payments should be released only after third-party validation.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairing a review meeting regarding "100MW Solar Power Project in GB". Islamabad, 8 July 2026. pic.twitter.com/vclC37jE69

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) July 8, 2026

The meeting was briefed on the progress of the Gilgit-Baltistan Solar Energy Project.

Officials informed the meeting that under the project, 18MW solar systems, along with battery storage, would be installed on the rooftops of 499 government buildings by December 2026.

The meeting was further informed that the PC-1 of the 82MW utility-scale solar project had been submitted to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for approval.

Once completed, the 82MW project is expected to benefit around 1.3 million people, improve the quality of electricity services across Gilgit-Baltistan and help eliminate load-shedding in the region.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Power Sardar Owais Leghari, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior government officials.

PM pays tribute to Fatima Jinnah

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to Madr-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah on the occasion of her 59th death anniversary, acknowledging her invaluable contributions to the Pakistan Movement and the country's nation-building process.

In his message, the prime minister said the entire nation paid homage to Fatima Jinnah for her outstanding national and political services, describing her role in the struggle for Pakistan's independence as a lasting source of pride in the country's history, according to a PM Office Media Wing press release.

The prime minister said that by standing shoulder to shoulder with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Fatima Jinnah demonstrated unwavering commitment, courage and exemplary dedication throughout the Pakistan Movement.

He observed that her relentless efforts and fearless leadership remained a treasured national legacy.

The prime minister said Fatima Jinnah continued to inspire younger generations, particularly women, by symbolising resilience, selfless public service and steadfast commitment to national objectives despite difficult circumstances.

“She proved that women could play an effective and constructive role in achieving national goals,” he added.

Highlighting the contributions of women during the Pakistan Movement, the prime minister said people from all walks of life had rendered historic sacrifices, while Madr-e-Millat provided exemplary leadership and representation for women.

Alongside other prominent women leaders, she courageously led from the front, demonstrating that the women of the subcontinent could overcome every obstacle and become a powerful and unforgettable voice in the struggle for freedom and the pursuit of national aspirations, he added.

The prime minister further said that after the creation of Pakistan, Fatima Jinnah remained actively engaged in promoting the country's social and political development, strengthening social harmony and fostering constructive and positive values.

He also prayed for the elevation of her ranks and said her services and contributions to the nation would always be remembered with profound respect in Pakistan's history.