The Sindh government has ramped up efforts to promote clean energy by expanding its solar energy projects across the province.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced that government buildings are being solarized, with 97 buildings already converted and over 300 more set to follow.
Speaking at a ceremony for the distribution of solar home systems, Shah emphasized the government's commitment to providing cheap electricity and clean water to the people of Sindh, in line with directives from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.
He urged the federal government to avoid gas load shedding and fulfil its constitutional responsibility to ensure energy availability.
The Sindh government has set an ambitious target to distribute 400 solar home system kits weekly in each district, particularly benefiting low-income communities. In Karachi, 200,000 solar home systems will be distributed in the first phase, marking the third such initiative in the city.
Provincial Minister Nasir Hussain Shah highlighted that the initiative is part of a five-year plan under which solar home systems will be provided, including areas in Karachi that still lack electricity. He noted that the Sindh Bank will offer loans for the solar home system project. Additionally, the Benazir Bhutto Income Support Program is also playing a role in providing solar home systems to deserving households.
Sindh Energy Minister Nasir Hussain Shah stated that two solar parks are being constructed in Karachi, which will create employment opportunities and contribute to reducing electricity costs. Various hospitals, schools, and institutions for special children have already been solarized as part of the province’s broader clean energy plan.
Murad Ali Shah said the Sindh government has been at the forefront of renewable energy initiatives. In 2013, it launched its first solar system installation projects, adding that by 2014, 600 schools in Nagarparkar were solarized. Despite the federal government’s ban on solar projects at the time, Sindh became the first province to solarize a village near the border in Sanghar, he recalled.
The CM also lauded the Thar Coal Power Plant, which was inaugurated by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. He stated that Thar coal is now producing the cheapest electricity in Pakistan, despite earlier scepticism about its capability to generate power. A new railway line from Thar is also being constructed in collaboration with the federal government to support coal transportation.
Addressing critics, the chief minister accused the opposition of spreading fake news about the provincial government's energy policies. He assured that Sindh’s clean energy initiatives would provide much-needed relief to the common man, ensuring a sustainable and affordable power supply for the province.
