Gilgit-Baltistan to Speed Up Solar And Road Projects

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal has directed the federal and Gilgit-Baltistan governments to fast-track implementation of the Rs24.9 billion, 100MW Distributed Solar Photovoltaic project.

Key points

• Chief Minister GB Amjad Hussain Azaar, Leader of the Opposition in the GB Assembly, Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari.
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• Chairing the second session of the Prime Minister's Committee on development worries of Gilgit-Baltistan, the minister noted the solar, transmission and access-road components should move forward simultaneously.
• KP Govt Intends Its Own Power Grid and Transmission System.
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He directed the GB administration to immediately commence work on access roads and transmission infrastructure that fall under its share. The session was informed that the project includes rooftop and utility-scale solar installations, along with transmission lines and access roads. KP to Establish Citizen Facilitation Centers in All Districts.

Ahsan Iqbal additionally instructed office-holders to carry out third-party validation alongside implementation so that quality and compliance checks do not delay progress.

Calling energy the number one crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan, the minister remarked the region cannot afford further delays in addressing its electricity shortage. He pressed all concerned departments to maintain close coordination and remove procedural bottlenecks.

While the Rs12.9 billion Hanzel Power Project is at an advanced stage, the session was additionally informed that the Rs10.6 billion Naltar Power Project is nearing completion.

During the session, the minister additionally reviewed tourism-related matters and asked the GB administration to consider an appropriate taxation and regulatory framework for the sector. He remarked the region needs sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism expansion.

Ahsan Iqbal further ordered a comprehensive study on the tourism carrying capacity of Gilgit-Baltistan to determine how much tourism the region's fragile environment can sustainably backing.

He proposed a task force comprising the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, the Ministry of Climate Change and the GB administration, with backing from experts and institutions including the Aga Khan Development Network.

In practice, the minister remarked the group should formulate recommendations to regulate tourism, discourage unplanned construction and protect the ecological balance of the region.

He additionally directed the formation of a committee with representatives from the Federal Board of Revenue, the Finance Division and the GB administration to support develop and implement a tourism taxation framework. KP Govt Intends Its Own Power Grid and Transmission System.

On financing constraints, Ahsan Iqbal remarked the Planning Ministry had already recommended in February 2025 that GB be given a financing framework similar to provinces under the National Finance Commission mechanism.

He continued that pending finalisation of the NFC Award, alternative financing arrangements should be explored to meet the region's immediate development needs.

In practice, the minister directed that all decisions, recommendations and instructions from the session be compiled into an interim report within two weeks so that the relevant ministries, departments and the GB administration can act without delay.

Chief Minister GB Amjad Hussain Azaar, Leader of the Opposition in the GB Assembly, Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari. This person joined virtually, and senior federal and GB authorities attended the gathering. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest news and stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover.

Taken together, the developments around gilgit-Baltistan to Speed Up Solar And Road Projects point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.