The Central Development Working Party has approved two power projects for Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) that are funded by the Public Sector Development Programme and has recommended that the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council approve them. The first project, the Regional Grid Phase-I Project, costing Rs17 billion, will be completed in the next three years. The power distribution networks of Gilgit, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, and Astore would be connected by this project.

According to Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Secretary Muhiudeen Wani, line losses and voltage drop would be less of a concern once the project is complete. He said the initiative would also assist G-B in luring foreign investment into the country's untapped power potential.

Muhiudeen Wani said Phase 2 of the project will involve connecting the remaining six districts together, while Phase 3 will involve connecting G-B to the national grid. He said, the "26 MW Shagarthang Hydropower Project" is a crucial power project for the Baltistan region's energy-scarce districts, particularly Skardu District. After the project is finished, load shedding will no longer be an issue in Skardu city. The Baltistan region's industrial and tourist sectors will expand as a consequence, improving the socio-economic situation, he added.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk