GILGIT: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated and performed groundbreaking of multiple development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), including renewable energy initiatives, Safe City projects, and the establishment of Daanish Schools amid distributing free solar panels, laptops, and business loan cheques among the youth.

Addressing a ceremony, the prime minister said the government was committed to ensuring equitable development across all regions of Pakistan, stressing that progress would remain incomplete without the uplift of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

He inaugurated a 100-megawatt solar power project for the region and launched the distribution of 58MW worth of free solar panels among domestic and commercial consumers under a transparent digital balloting system. He said over 50,000 applications were received, out of which around 15,000 beneficiaries were selected purely on merit.

The prime minister directed authorities to complete the solar project by mid-2027, noting that the initiative would significantly ease energy shortages in the mountainous region, particularly during harsh winters. He also revealed that confiscated solar panels in a fraud case were redirected for free distribution to the people of GB instead of auction.

Highlighting education reforms, Shehbaz Sharif laid the foundation stones of four Daanish Schools in Sultanabad, Bunji, Ghanche, and Skardu, aimed at providing state-of-the-art education facilities to underprivileged children. He directed authorities to ensure uniform standards, merit-based recruitment of local teachers, and modern facilities including e-libraries, smart classrooms, free meals, and boarding.

“These schools will offer opportunities to talented children from humble backgrounds to excel and compete at national and international levels,” he said, adding that education for girls would be completely free in these institutions.

The prime minister also inaugurated Gilgit Safe City Project Phase-II and announced the Skardu Safe City project, directing that it should match and surpass the standards of Lahore’s Safe City system. He emphasized the need for proper maintenance and modernisation of these security systems.

During the ceremony, he distributed laptops under the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme to high-achieving students and provided cheques under the Prime Minister’s Youth Agriculture and Business Loan Scheme to promote entrepreneurship.

Shehbaz Sharif praised the resilience and determination of GB’s youth, stating that the laptops were not a favour but recognition of their hard work. He reiterated that all selections under government schemes were made strictly on merit without political influence.

He also underscored Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace, stating that the country played a significant role in recent diplomatic efforts for ceasefire during the Iran-US tensions, adding that history would acknowledge Pakistan’s constructive contributions. He also lauded the efforts of Deputy Prime Minsiter Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for the ceasefire to circumvent protracted conflict in the region.

Earlier, a guard of honour was presented by a contingent of Gilgit-Baltistan Police, while the prime minister interacted with students, including one who attended the ceremony on the day of his wedding to receive a laptop.

Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Affairs Programme, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, said the premier had inaugurated record development projects in GB, including the solarisation initiative that would install 18MW systems on 499 buildings in the first phase and 82MW solar parks across three divisions in the next phase.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Engineer Amir Muqam, termed the projects a major step toward improving living standards and said the prime minister had always stood with the people during natural disasters.

Minister for Energy, Power Division, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, said the solar project’s cost had increased from Rs24 billion to Rs32 billion due to the inclusion of battery storage systems, enabling round-the-clock electricity and expanding beneficiaries from 600,000 to over 1.3 million people.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs and Interprovincial Coordination, Rana Sanaullah Khan, said the Daanish Schools would provide education comparable to elite institutions like Aitchison College, particularly benefiting children from low-income families.

Federal ministers including Attaullah Tarar, Abdul Aleem Khan, and SAPM Talha Burkialso accompanied the prime minister during the visit.

Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah and Chief Minister Justice (R) Yar Mohammad were present on the occasion.