ISLAMABAD – In a strategic move to alleviate the burden of soaring electricity bills on the middle class and small businesses, the Federal Cabinet on Thursday approved a massive national solarization initiative. The project, titled “Roshan Pakistan,” aims to provide subsidized solar panels to over 100,000 households and small-scale commercial units across the country within the first phase of the 2026 fiscal year.
The decision was finalized during a cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, where energy experts presented a roadmap to reduce the national grid’s reliance on imported fuel. Under the new scheme, the government will provide interest-free loans and a 30% subsidy on high-efficiency solar kits.
“We recognize the hardship caused by global fuel price hikes. This solar initiative is not just about energy; it is about providing financial breathing space to our citizens,” Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) stated during a press briefing. He added that the program would prioritize regions with the highest transmission losses and those facing prolonged load-shedding.
Economic analysts believe this move could stabilize the circular debt in the long run. By shifting domestic consumption to solar power, the government hopes to reduce the overall demand on the national grid during peak daylight hours. “This is a structural shift. If implemented transparently, it could save billions in foreign exchange currently spent on furnace oil and RLNG,” noted a senior economist based in Lahore.
However, some experts warn that the project’s success depends on the quality of the solar components. The Ministry of Science and Technology has been directed to set up testing labs at major ports to ensure that only Tier-1 solar panels enter the local market. “Quality control is paramount. We cannot allow the market to be flooded with substandard equipment that fails after a year,” an industry expert emphasized.
The local administration in various districts has already been tasked with identifying eligible candidates for the first phase. Registration is expected to open via a dedicated online portal by the end of this month.
