PM Shehbaz Launches Major Development Projects in Gilgit-Baltistan, Announces 100MW Solar Scheme and Four Daanish Schools
GILGIT — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has inaugurated and laid foundation stones of several major development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan, reaffirming the federal government's firm commitment to the region's progress and the welfare of its people. During a one-day official visit to the region on Thursday, the prime minister also directed that the 100-megawatt solar energy project be completed by mid-2027, marking a significant step toward sustainable energy development in the northern areas of Pakistan.
Development Projects Launched in Gilgit
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Gilgit on a one-day official visit, where he was received by Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Yaar Muhammad at the airport. The prime minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Attaullah Tarar, Engineer Amir Muqam, Abdul Aleem Khan, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, and Special Assistant Talha Burki.
Addressing a ceremony during the visit, the prime minister expressed his firm commitment to the development of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, stating that all necessary resources would be provided to address the problems faced by the region.
Daanish Schools: Free Education with Modern Facilities
In a major educational initiative, PM Shehbaz announced that four Daanish schools are being established across Gilgit-Baltistan. These institutions will provide:
- Free Education — Complete tuition-free schooling for students from underprivileged backgrounds
- Free Meals and Uniforms — Nutritious meals and school uniforms provided at no cost to students
- Smart Boards — Modern interactive smart boards installed in every classroom for enhanced digital learning
- E-Libraries — Digital libraries equipped with thousands of online resources for students and teachers
The Daanish schools programme, which has already shown remarkable success in Punjab, is now being expanded to Gilgit-Baltistan to ensure that children in the region have access to quality education regardless of their economic background.
100MW Solar Project: A Clean Energy Milestone
The prime minister specifically directed that the 100-megawatt solar energy project in Gilgit-Baltistan be completed by mid-2027. This ambitious renewable energy initiative will:
- Provide Clean Electricity — Generate 100MW of solar power for households and businesses in the region
- Reduce Energy Costs — Lower electricity expenses for residents through affordable solar-generated power
- Promote Sustainability — Contribute to Pakistan's renewable energy targets and reduce carbon emissions
- Create Jobs — Generate employment opportunities during construction and ongoing operations
The solar project aligns with the federal government's broader strategy to transition Pakistan toward clean and affordable energy sources, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Prime Minister's Youth Programme
During his address, PM Shehbaz emphasised that merit remains the cornerstone of his government's policies. He stated that laptops, business loans, and agriculture loan cheques distributed under the Prime Minister's Youth Programme have been awarded purely on merit.
"I have never made a compromise on merit," the prime minister declared firmly. He further noted that these laptops are not a favour to the youth but rather an acknowledgement of their hard work and dedication in the field of education.
The Prime Minister's Youth Programme has been instrumental in empowering young Pakistanis across the country, providing them with the tools and resources needed to pursue higher education and entrepreneurial ventures.
- Laptop Scheme — Thousands of high-performance laptops distributed to talented students nationwide
- Business Loans — Interest-free loans provided to young entrepreneurs to start their own businesses
- Agriculture Loans — Financial support for young farmers to modernise their agricultural practices
Meetings with Regional Leadership
During the visit, the prime minister held separate meetings with Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Yaar Muhammad. The discussions focused on:
- Development Progress — Reviewing the status of ongoing development projects across Gilgit-Baltistan
- Law and Order — Assessing the security situation and administrative matters in the region
- Governance Issues — Addressing key governance challenges and streamlining development planning
The visit was part of the federal government's ongoing engagement with Gilgit-Baltistan on development planning and governance issues, demonstrating the centre's commitment to the region's progress.
Strategic Importance of Gilgit-Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan holds immense strategic importance for Pakistan, not only for its breathtaking natural beauty and tourism potential but also for its geographic location. The region serves as a gateway to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), hosting critical infrastructure projects including the Karakoram Highway.
The development initiatives announced by the prime minister are expected to boost economic activity in the region, improve living standards for local communities, and strengthen Pakistan's overall development trajectory. The focus on education, renewable energy, and youth empowerment reflects a comprehensive approach to regional development.
Positive Impact on Local Communities
Local residents and community leaders have welcomed the development projects, expressing optimism about the positive changes they will bring. The establishment of Daanish schools is particularly significant for remote areas where access to quality education has historically been limited.
The solar energy project is also expected to transform the energy landscape of the region, providing reliable and affordable electricity to thousands of households. This will have a direct impact on the quality of life, enabling better access to education through evening lighting, supporting small businesses, and improving healthcare facilities.
The federal government's continued focus on Gilgit-Baltistan's development underscores its commitment to balanced regional growth and the well-being of all communities across Pakistan.
