The Pakistani government has successfully transitioned 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 Telecommunications Corporation, Express News reported.
The initiative includes battery backup systems to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Federal Education Secretary Mohiuddin Wani termed the achievement as 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 Punjab’s agriculture, solar and industrial sectors.
Until February 28, 2,000 more tractors 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 programme, focusing on providing free solar energy to citizens across Punjab. A major decision was also made to transition government buildings to solar energy and complete renewable energy projects by June.
To further promote solar energy, an additional fund of Rs 6 billion will be allocated. Additionally, in March the process of creating a fund to generate electricity from waste will be completed. A review of the solar energy transition program will also be carried out for various government institutions, including the Punjab Assembly and the Institute of Cardiology.
The Chief Minister also set a deadline for completing the ‘Garment Cities’ project in Punjab in March and ordered the development of a feasibility study to set up a 300-acre industrial and technology park in Narowal and a technological university in Kasur .
To advance modern farming methods, the government will establish a monitoring system in each division to educate farmers about modern techniques. The establishment of an inspectors office to monitor agriculture and accelerate recruitment was also approved.
Under the Green Tractor Scheme, more than 4,500 tractors have already been distributed to farmers and substitutes have been provided in several regions including Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sargodha and Lahore. In addition, solar systems have been provided to 404 poor families in electricity-deprived villages.
Senior officials including Nabeel Ahmad Awan, Asif Tufail and other secretaries attended the meeting and presented updates on various new and ongoing schemes under the Annual Development Program (ADP).
The meeting highlighted the government’s commitment to creating an agricultural and industrial revolution in Punjab, with Maryam Nawaz at the forefront of these transformative initiatives.
