In a major step toward sustainable energy, the Punjab government has decided to transition all 43 prisons in the province to solar power. The Home Department has finalized the plan and submitted it for approval to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
According to a spokesperson for the department, a comprehensive survey has been conducted to assess the feasibility of the transition, including a detailed cost estimate. Currently, Punjab’s prisons incur an annual electricity and gas bill of approximately PKR 4.5 billion. The switch to solar energy is projected to cost PKR 4.35 billion, making it a cost-effective long-term solution.
The initiative, once implemented, is expected to reduce electricity expenses by 60%, significantly easing the financial burden on the provincial government. The project will be executed in phases, with an initial allocation of PKR 2 billion proposed for the current financial year.
The move aligns with the Punjab government’s broader commitment to green energy solutions and environmental sustainability, ensuring a more energy-efficient and eco-friendly future for the province.
