Sukkur: Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, has announced the commencement of a large-scale solar panel distribution initiative across Sukkur, Khairpur, and Ghotki districts. This initiative, aligned with Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s vision, aims to alleviate the rising electricity costs for residents.
Speaking at a ceremony at the Sukkur Sports Complex, held under the Sindh Solar Energy Project, CM Murad Ali Shah emphasized the pressing need for affordable and sustainable energy solutions. He criticized the federal government’s negligence in maintaining national highways, citing recent tragic accidents near Sun, Qazi Ahmed, and Ranipur, which resulted in significant loss of lives. He urged the federal authorities to complete the long-pending Indus Highway construction and improve the National Highway to prevent further casualties.
Solarization Program for Energy Relief
CM Shah elaborated on Sindh’s commitment to clean energy, highlighting that the province’s solarization program dates back to 2012. Initially launched in Sanghar district’s border villages, the initiative expanded to off-grid schools in Tharparkar. Under Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s leadership, the program gained momentum to provide affordable electricity to the underprivileged.
The project operates in three phases:
- Government Infrastructure: Solar energy was installed in public buildings to reduce operational costs, with 45 government institutions, including Central Jail Karachi, already benefiting.
- Household Solar Kits: A scheme launched three months ago aims to provide solar panels to 200,000 households, each receiving a solar plate, fan, three LED bulbs, battery backup, and a mobile charger.
- Wider Distribution: 50,000 solar systems have already reached Pakistan, with another 50,000 arriving soon. These will be distributed among families registered under the Benazir Income Support Program across Sindh.
Housing and Energy for Flood Victims
Sindh’s efforts extend beyond solarization. CM Shah highlighted a groundbreaking project providing homes to 2.1 million flood-affected individuals, benefiting over 12 million people. The initiative, globally recognized for its scale, is funded through partnerships with the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, donor agencies, and the federal government. The province targets completing these houses by June 2026.
Turning Waste into Power
Sindh is also exploring waste-to-energy solutions. Karachi generates 15,000 tons of waste daily, which will soon be converted into 50 megawatts of electricity. Additionally, the energy department is advancing a floating solar panel project at Keenjhar Lake.
Sindh’s Leadership in Renewable Energy
Murad Ali Shah emphasized Sindh’s role in transforming Pakistan’s energy landscape. The province’s coal project in Thar, once opposed, has now become the cheapest energy source in Pakistan. Simultaneously, work on wind and solar projects continues, reinforcing Sindh’s commitment to green and clean energy.
PPP’s Growing Political Strength
The CM credited the people of Sindh for repeatedly electing the PPP, noting that their vote share has consistently increased since 2008. He expressed confidence in securing another victory in 2029, asserting that PPP’s performance, not just publicity, will bring them to the top in national elections.
Future Energy Plans
Provincial Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah reiterated PPP’s dedication to providing solar power relief. He revealed that an additional 100,000 solar panels are expected by March, while another 500,000 have already been funded for future distribution. A new balcony solar panel initiative for densely populated urban areas will also be introduced, targeting consumers using between zero and 100 electricity units.
Ensuring Fair Distribution
Senior PPP leader and MNA Khursheed Ahmed Shah assured that solar panel distribution would be strictly need-based, with priority given to families eligible under the Benazir Income Support Program. He reiterated that the party’s focus remains on public welfare rather than electoral gains.
The event was attended by key PPP leaders, including Speaker Sindh Assembly Awais Qadir Shah, Provincial Ministers Mukesh Kumar Chawla, Jam Ikramullah Dharejo, Mayor Sukkur Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh, and several other officials and stakeholders.