PM Shehbaz Sharif Announces Payment Program in Balochistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has unveiled a transformative plan to solarise 28000 tube wells in Balochistan to provide farmers with affordable electricity. This initiative is a joint effort by the federal and provincial governments and is expected to greatly benefit the agricultural sector in the region. PM Shehbaz Sharif Announces Payment Program in Balochistan, so if you are in Balochistan you will get payment.
Key Announcements and Figures
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail attended the meeting. Federal ministers and officials were also present along with Flour Mills Association representatives including Asim Raza Majid Abdullah Iftikhar Mehtu Khaleeq Arshad Muhammad Shahid and Ahmad. The agreement to solarise the tube wells was signed in the presence of these key provincial and federal representatives.
The total cost of the project is Rs55 billion with the federal government contributing 70 percent. The implementation is expected to be completed within three months.
Farmers New Payment
Currently tube wells are connected to the power grid but operate only for about two hours daily which severely impacts farming activities. Many farmers do not pay their electricity bills leading to significant financial losses for the government. Solar-powered tube wells will run all day providing a consistent water supply for irrigation. Solar energy is the cheapest power source allowing farmers to pay minimal amounts for electricity.
Addressing Financial Drain
Prime Minister Shehbaz pointed out that the Rs500 billion spent on subsidies is effectively wasted and could be better invested in the province’s development. The government’s effort to cover unpaid bills has resulted in a significant financial burden.
The prime minister suggested a large procurement of solar panels potentially through subsidies to farmers to ensure cost efficiency. This project is expected to bring deep-rooted structural changes in the region’s agricultural sector.Prime Minister Shehbaz mentioned plans to transition one million tube wells nationwide from oil to solar power potentially saving $3.5 billion in oil imports.
Security Issues in Balochstan
During a visit to China Prime Minister Shehbaz learned that Chinese engineers avoid dangerous areas in Pakistan highlighting the need for improved security. Punjab has contributed significantly to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s counterterrorism efforts and continues to support Balochistan in this regard.
New Payment Projects
The Safe City Project in Gwadar previously closed has been re-awarded and is crucial for the city’s development. Gwadar is expected to become a major global port generating substantial income and supporting the region’s economic growth.
Provincial Contributions
Punjab has contributed the highest amount to Balochistan’s counterterrorism funding since 2010 pledging Rs150 billion over 14 years. Prime Minister Shehbaz called for unity and wise use of funds to achieve shared development goals.
Conclusion
The solarisation of tube wells in Balochistan represents a major step towards sustainable agriculture and economic stability. This initiative combined with ongoing security and development efforts highlights the government’s commitment to the region’s progress. Prime Minister Shehbaz’s call for cooperation between the provincial and federal governments underscores the importance of collective action in achieving these ambitious goals.