Punjab going to electrify off-grid areas with solar energy Minister says 6,103 villages across Punjab are without power

The Punjab government has finalized a comprehensive strategy to electrify all off-grid areas with solar energy.
In this connection, a high-level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Provincial Energy Minister Dr. Akhtar Malik, which was attended by heads of all sub-agencies, including Energy Secretary Amir Jan.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Akhtar Malik said that electricity supply to deprived areas across Punjab is a priority.
He informed that at present, there are as many 6,103 villages across the province without power. The Energy Department has worked out a strategy with the consultation of district administrations for supply of electricity to these deprived areas.
Akhtar Malik said that all off-grid areas of Punjab are going to be converted to solar energy.
In the previous government, only verbal deposit was spent, he claimed, adding that solar policy for domestic consumers is also being worked on, besides the government has also notified alternative energy policy.
Akhtar Malik said that alternative energy policy would revolutionize the production of local energy sources and Pakistan would move forward under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
On the other hand, it was revealed that millions of rupees have been misappropriated in the head of electricity bills amount in the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco).
The FIA has launched an investigation into the theft of electricity and non-charging of bills worth amounting to of Rs600 million.
The FIA has also launched an investigation into disconnection of industrial and commercial connections over the past three years.
Officers and employees of Lesco’s Commercial and Operations Wing will be summoned during the investigation.