LAHORE: Punjab Energy Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar has directed the provincial energy department to expedite the solarisation of public schools, colleges and THQ hospitals, while strengthening electrical safety inspections at public-sector institutions.
Chairing a departmental review meeting on Tuesday, the minister stressed that energy security and electrical safety must go hand in hand, particularly in hospitals and educational institutions. He directed officials to improve inspection, monitoring and safety mechanisms for electrical installations to minimise the risk of accidents.
The meeting reviewed progress on the CM Punjab Free Solar Panel Initiative which is nearing completion with final verification underway. Progress on solarisation of public higher secondary schools, colleges and THQ hospitals, including grid connectivity and metering, was also discussed.
Khokhar said the solarisation programme would help reduce electricity costs, promote clean energy and improve the efficiency and sustainability of public institutions. He directed that all projects meet standards of quality, transparency, timely execution and long-term operational efficiency.
The meeting also considered establishing an ‘Energy Sector Policy & Implementation Unit (ESPIU)’ under the secretary energy to strengthen policy formulation, market intelligence, tariff strategy and energy-transition planning.
The minister further directed officials to make the electrical licensing and regulatory framework more transparent, effective and technology-driven. Proposals involving licensed electrical contractors in commercial and industrial inspections, third-party technical audits and an appeals mechanism were reviewed.
Progress on Net Zero Energy Buildings, the Bio-fertilizer Plant, SAVE UP Punjab and the Garmala Block was also reviewed. Khokhar directed officers to ensure transparency, quality, merit and timely implementation of all departmental initiatives aimed at modernising Punjab’s energy sector.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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