The Balochistan government has launched a large-scale solar home system initiative to combat the province’s persistent electricity shortages, with 15,000 solar systems set to be distributed across the region. This ambitious programme is supported by Chinese aid agencies, including the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and the South-South Cooperation for Addressing Climate Change.
The initiative, spearheaded by Balochistan’s Energy Department, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Sarfraz Ahmad Bugti during a ceremony in Quetta. Bugti emphasized Gwadar’s critical role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), highlighting that 5,000 solar systems would be allocated specifically for the port city. “Gwadar is the jewel in the crown of CPEC,” he stated, urging local communities to recognize their central role in the project’s success.
This is not the first time China has contributed to Gwadar’s energy solutions. In July 2022, the Chinese government donated 3,000 solar systems to mitigate power shortages and address environmental concerns in the region. The new solar home system programme further cements China and Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions, offering a brighter and more resilient future for Balochistan.