QUETTA: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, on Wednesday handed over 48 solar-powered public facilities valued at Rs1 billion to the Balochistan government.

This landmark initiative delivers cle­an, reliable, and cost-efficient solar en­­ergy to key public institutions, including schools, universities, healthcare facilities, and technical training institutes, particularly in refugee-hosting districts.

Implemented during 2024-2025 with support from international donors inc­luding Global Affairs Canada, Germ­a­n­­y’s Federal Ministry of Economic Co­­op­eration and Development, the Korea In­­ternational Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the project addresses long-standing challenges of unreliable grid electricity, frequent power outages, and high operational costs from diesel generators.

Among the facilities solarized is the Bolan Medical Complex, supported by UNHCR’s private partner, LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd.

Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, UN Resident Coordinator Mohamed Yahya, UNHCR Representative in Pakistan Philippa Candler, the Head of UNHCR Quetta Office, Tesfaye Bekele and senior government and UN officials attended the official handover ceremony, held at CM Office.

By transitioning critical public facilities to renewable energy, the initiative ensures uninterrupted power supply, reduces reliance on the national grid, and significantly lowers recurring ene­rgy costs. These impro­vements are enabling institutions to deliver more consistent and higher-quality education and healthcare services across the province.

The UN resident coordinator commended the project’s impact and acknowledged Pakistan’s 45-year commitment to hosting Afghan refugees.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2026