News Desk: The Balochistan government is considering the establishment of off-grid power stations in 17 districts following the success of pilot projects, as part of a major initiative to provide affordable, sustainable, and uninterrupted electricity to remote and underserved areas of the province.
The decision was discussed during a high-level consultative meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, where officials reviewed a range of energy projects aimed at improving power generation and transmission across Balochistan.
Given the province’s vast territory and scattered population, the Energy Department proposed localized electricity generation systems instead of relying on costly long-distance transmission lines and complex infrastructure. Officials said mini and off-grid power stations would offer a practical and cost-effective solution for communities that remain outside the reach of the national grid.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, the Additional Chief Secretary (Development), the Secretary of Energy, the Chief Executive Officer of QESCO, and other senior officials.
Authorities also presented a plan to enhance electricity transmission in areas already connected to the national grid through on-grid power stations. To ensure timely implementation, the government decided to accelerate work on the required regulatory framework.
Chief Minister Bugti directed officials to engage with NEPRA and other relevant institutions to finalize tariff structures and legal requirements for the proposed projects. He also instructed stakeholders to complete consultations on the province’s on-grid power policy to strengthen electricity distribution and transmission systems.
Speaking at the meeting, the chief minister said the government is pursuing practical energy solutions to ensure that residents of remote areas receive reliable and low-cost electricity. He noted that modern and localized energy projects would help integrate neglected regions into the mainstream economy, stimulate business activity, create jobs, and attract investment.
Bugti emphasized that providing basic services to every citizen is both a constitutional obligation and a moral responsibility of the government, adding that reforms and modern planning in the energy sector would help reduce long-standing disparities in Balochistan’s remote districts.
