Gilgit: A digital lottery was held in Gilgit-Baltistan on Thursday to select beneficiaries for the federal government’s free solar panel scheme, aimed at addressing the region’s persistent electricity shortages.
The lottery was inaugurated in Gilgit by caretaker Chief Minister Justice (R) Yar Muhammad, who said the digital system had been adopted to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection of applicants.
Under the programme, solar systems with a total capacity of 58 megawatts (MW) will be distributed across the region. Of this, 40MW has been allocated for domestic consumers, while 18MW will be provided to small businesses and IT-related organisations.
Officials said the initiative is part of broader efforts by the federal government to promote renewable energy and reduce reliance on conventional power sources in Gilgit-Baltistan, where communities have long faced chronic electricity shortages, particularly during winter months.
Speaking on the occasion, Mushtaq Ahmed said the scheme is intended to promote alternative energy solutions, help ease the power crisis, and support environmentally sustainable development in the region.
According to the plan, 144,875 solar panels with a combined generation capacity of around 58.8MW will be distributed through the programme. The initiative has been discussed at the federal level, including in meetings of the Economic Coordination Committee.
Officials said the project is expected to contribute to improved energy access, support small businesses, and promote climate-resilient power solutions across Gilgit-Baltistan.
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