Balochistan Reviews Off-Grid Power Stations in 17 Districts to Improve Electricity Access
QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat to review plans aimed at improving electricity supply and transmission in the province’s remote and underdeveloped areas.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shakil Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Zahid Saleem, Energy Secretary Asfandyar Kakar, QESCO Chief Syed Yousaf Shah, and other relevant officials.
During the meeting, the provincial Energy Department presented various proposals to ensure uninterrupted, sustainable, and cost-effective electricity supply to far-flung regions of the province. Officials highlighted that Balochistan’s vast geographical area and scattered population make the construction of conventional long transmission lines and complex power infrastructure both expensive and technically challenging.
In view of these challenges, locally based electricity generation through mini power stations and off-grid energy projects was identified as a more practical and efficient solution. The meeting was informed that following encouraging results from pilot projects, the government is now assessing the feasibility of establishing off-grid power stations in 17 districts across the province.
The proposed projects aim to provide affordable and reliable electricity to areas that are either not connected to the national grid or continue to face persistent power supply issues.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti directed authorities to strengthen coordination with National Electric Power Regulatory Authority and other relevant institutions regarding tariff determination, legal procedures, and regulatory matters to ensure smooth execution of the projects.
He stated that the provincial government is committed to providing affordable, sustainable, and uninterrupted electricity to the people of Balochistan through practical and long-term solutions. He added that modern, localized, and sustainable energy initiatives are being adopted to integrate remote areas into the mainstream of national development.
The Chief Minister noted that the new energy projects would not only address basic public needs but also contribute significantly to economic activity, employment generation, and investment promotion across the province.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he said that providing essential services to every citizen is both a constitutional and moral responsibility. He emphasized that reforms in the power sector, improved planning, and the promotion of alternative energy sources would help eliminate longstanding deprivation in remote regions and ensure equal development opportunities for all residents of Balochistan.
