The Government of Pakistan has successfully converted 100 federal schools to solar energy, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy in the education sector.
The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) completed the solarization project in collaboration with the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation, Express News reported.
The initiative includes backup battery systems to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Federal Minister for Education Mohiuddin Wani called the achievement a reflection of the government’s commitment to efficiency, sustainability and innovation.
He said the installation of solar panels would not only reduce carbon emissions but also provide schools with a reliable and environmentally friendly source of energy.
Mohiuddin Wani added that while this year’s project covered 100 schools, there are plans to transition the remaining federal educational institutions to solar energy in the next financial year.
Last week, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took several important decisions aimed at transforming the agriculture, solar and industrial sectors of Punjab.
By February 28, 2,000 more superseders will be delivered to farmers at reduced prices, in addition to the 10,000 tractors already allocated.
In line with her plan to expand the free solar energy initiative, the Chief Minister decided to accelerate and expand the program with a focus on providing free solar energy to citizens across Punjab. A major decision was also made to convert public buildings to solar power and complete renewable energy projects by June.
To promote solar energy further, an additional fund of 6 billion rupees will be set aside. In addition, the process of establishing a fund to generate electricity from waste will be completed by March. A review of the solar transition program for various government institutions, including the Punjab Assembly and the Institute of Cardiology, will also take place.
The chief minister also set a deadline for completing the ‘Garments Cities’ project in Punjab by March and directed the development of a feasibility study for setting up a 300-acre industrial and technology park in Narowal and a technology university in Kasur.
To promote modern farming methods, the government will set up a monitoring system in each division to educate farmers on modern techniques. The creation of an inspector’s office to monitor agriculture and expedite recruitment was also approved.
Under the Green Tractor Scheme, over 4,500 tractors have already been distributed to farmers and superseders have been provided in several regions including Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sargodha and Lahore. In addition, solar panels have been provided to 404 poor families in villages that lack electricity.
Senior officials including Nabeel Ahmad Awan, Asif Tufail and other secretaries attended the meeting and presented updates on various ongoing and new schemes under the Annual Development Program (ADP).
The meeting highlighted the government’s commitment to bring about an agricultural and industrial revolution in Punjab, with Maryam Nawaz spearheading these transformative initiatives.
