Solar power project of 100 Megawatts granted approval for Gilgit Baltistan by Ecnec.
In a significant move towards renewable energy, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved a 100-megawatt solar photovoltaic power project for Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan[1][2][3]. The project, announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a recent visit to Gilgit, is expected to alleviate power shortages in the region, particularly during harsh winter months.
The project, which is part of Pakistan's national solar energy program, will be located in Gilgit Baltistan. The total cost of the project has been estimated at Rs 24,957 million[4]. However, a specific financial figure for the Gilgit-Baltistan project alone is not explicitly detailed. A related government announcement mentioned an allocation of Rs4 billion for broader flood rehabilitation measures, which included energy projects, but it is unclear if this fully covers the solar project’s cost or just part of recovery planning[4].
The project is expected to be completed within three years, with the Prime Minister directing the federal government to complete it within one year from the approval date, aiming for completion by around August 2026[1][2][3].
The electricity generated by the project will be distributed among the following districts: Astore, Darel, Tangir, Diamer, Ghanche, Ghizer, Gilgit, Hunza, Ishkoman, Nagar, Roundu, Skardu, and Shigar[4]. In the first phase, Skardu district will receive 18.958 megawatts of electricity, followed by Hunza, Gilgit, and Diamer districts receiving 6.005 megawatts, 28.013 megawatts, and 13.126 megawatts respectively in the second phase[4].
The Central Development Working Party has already approved the project, and formal work on the project will commence following Ecnec's approval. The project, once completed, will significantly improve the power supply situation in Gilgit-Baltistan, contributing to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future for the region.
[1] Dawn News. (2025). 100MW solar power project for Gilgit-Baltistan approved by ECNEC. Retrieved from https://www.dawn.com/news/1667379
[2] The Express Tribune. (2025). PM directs completion of 100MW solar power project in Gilgit-Baltistan within a year. Retrieved from https://tribune.com.pk/story/2359854/pm-directs-completion-of-100mw-solar-power-project-in-gilgit-baltistan-within-a-year
[3] Geo News. (2025). PM announces 100MW solar power project for Gilgit-Baltistan during visit. Retrieved from https://www.geo.tv/latest/372351-pm-announces-100mw-solar-power-project-for-gilgit-baltistan-during-visit
[4] Business Recorder. (2025). Rs4b allocated for flood rehabilitation, infrastructure projects. Retrieved from https://www.brecorder.com/latestnews/372316-rs4b-allocated-for-flood-rehabilitation-infrastructure-projects
- The solar photovoltaic power project approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) is part of Pakistan's national solar energy program, with a specific focus on the index of renewable-energy projects.
- The completion of the 100-megawatt solar project in Gilgit-Baltistan is significant for the finance sector, as it is expected to improve the power supply situation, fostering a more sustainable and energy-efficient business environment in the region.
- The electricity generated from the solar project will not only help alleviate power shortages in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, particularly during harsh winter months, but also contribute to broader flood rehabilitation measures, including energy projects, within the overall finance planning.
