ISLAMABAD: In a bid to reduce the import bill and promote solar energy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed authorities concerned to complete the solarisation of the government buildings before the onset of the summer season.

During a meeting, the PM said the utilisation of solar energy was inevitable to improve the economy by reducing the import bill of fuels. Calling for the promotion of solar energy by the private sector, he instructed all the departments to expedite the process of transparent bidding for the construction of solar power plants.

During the briefing, the prime minister was told that the federal cabinet had already approved a framework for the generation of electricity through solar energy instead of expensive imported fuels. Moreover, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority would define the tariff for mega solar projects by the end of this month which would follow the bidding procedure.

The PM was apprised that three solar power plants were being planned which included a 1200MW project in Layyah, and two 600MW projects in Muzaffargarh, and Trimmu.

PM pays tribute to martyrs, expresses resolve to fight terrorism in all forms

According to the details, a consultant had been hired for the solarisation of government buildings. The premier said centralised and transparent procurement should be opted for by all the federal departments. The process should be started from the federal government buildings in Islamabad, he added.

Tribute to martyrs

While paying tribute to martyrs, PM Sharif said that the government was committed to establishing the writ of state at any cost and no one would be allowed to sabotage the hard-earned peace in the country. Addressing a ceremony held in the Prime Minister Office in connection with Christmas, the prime minister said, “Unfortunately our system suffered a lot due to decades-long terrorism in the country where our minorities remained under severe threat, but we had successfully eliminated terrorism in the country,” the PM said.

During the ceremony, the prime minister said Islam does not allow forced conversion. He said Islam and the constitution provided equal rights to all minorities.

“The government also guarantees security. Where there is any injustice—no religion and government can tolerate it,” he added.

Earlier, the prime minister visited CMH, Rawalpindi, and inquired about the health of officers injured during the Bannu operation. The PM said the martyrs and their families rendered “supreme sacrifices for ensuring the safety and security of the people of Pakistan”.

“We are determined to fight terrorism in its all forms and manifestations and breaking nexus between terrorists, their supporters and sympathisers till achieving peaceful and stable environment,” he said.

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2022