Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur made a significant announcement on Monday, stating that the province would distribute free solar panels to its residents.
Addressing the provincial assembly, the CM outlined the government’s plan to transition official buildings and offices to solar power in the initial phase. He emphasized that solar power would be the way forward for KP.
Furthermore, CM Gandapur pledged to provide complimentary solar panels to the people, highlighting that taxpayers deserve tangible benefits from their contributions. He also criticized excessive spending of public funds and vowed to cut down on unnecessary expenditures, including reducing the fuel allowance for the elite by 20 percent.
Expressing concerns over the federal government’s inadequate support, CM Gandapur asserted that KP had not received its due share, particularly the pending Rs 100 billion for Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). He warned of decisive action if these funds were not released promptly.
Highlighting the long-standing grievances of the people of KP, the CM underscored the need for the federal government to fulfill its promises and respond to the region’s demands. He warned of potential public unrest if KP’s rights were not acknowledged and addressed.
CM Gandapur emphasized that without adequate financial support from the federal government, peace and security in KP would remain elusive.
This initiative aligns with similar efforts in other provinces, with both Punjab and Sindh governments previously announcing plans to provide solar panels to their respective residents.
In a separate development, the Sindh government recently announced a scheme to provide affordable electricity to over 200,000 households. Each household will receive a complete solar system for a nominal fee of Rs. 7,000, covering the installation of solar panels, charge controllers, and batteries.
Similarly, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved the provision of 1Kv solar systems to 50,000 families in the province. This initiative aims to benefit low-consumption power users by providing essential solar equipment.
