Islamabad, In a concerted effort to address the longstanding power issues in Balochistan, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, following discussions with Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, has advocated for the adoption of solar energy to power the province’s 29,000 registered agricultural tube wells. This initiative aligns with broader measures to enhance the energy independence of the region while tackling illegal electricity connections that plague its agricultural sector.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Balochistan, the decision came during a meeting where the Power Division briefed Chief Minister Bugti about the existing 11,000 illegal agricultural electricity connections. The briefing underscored the federal government’s directive, led by Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, to prioritize resolving Balochistan’s issues. The discussions also touched upon strategies for the swift transition of agricultural tube wells to solar power, reflecting a significant policy shift towards renewable energy solutions in the province.

Chief Minister Bugti expressed his government’s readiness to restart the campaign against electricity theft and announced the formation of a committee to devise a practical mechanism for this transition. The committee, which includes the Additional Secretary Finance and Power Secretary, is expected to deliver a workable plan within two days.

The Chief Minister also extended an invitation to Energy Minister Owais Leghari to visit Balochistan, ensuring full cooperation from the local government for implementing these energy reforms. He emphasized the government’s commitment to a robust crackdown on electricity theft and the effective regularization of power usage in the agricultural sector.