logo
Punjab to shift all jails to solar energy

Punjab to shift all jails to solar energy

Express Tribune28-02-2025

Refuting rumours of new taxes on solar power, Minister for Power Awais Leghari stated that the government has no such plans in the near future. photo: file
Listen to article
Punjab government has decided to transition all 43 jails in the province to solar energy, a move expected to reduce electricity and gas bills by up to 60%.
The plan, which aims to address rising utility costs, has been presented by the Punjab Home Department and is awaiting final approval from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Express News reported.
An initial survey conducted by the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) has estimated that the annual energy costs for Punjab's 43 jails have reached a staggering Rs4.5 billion.
However, the total cost of transitioning these prisons to solar power is projected to be less than the annual utility bills, making the investment a cost-effective solution in the long run.
According to NRTC, the transition to solar energy for all 43 jails will require an investment of approximately Rs4.35 billion.
The phased implementation of the green energy solution will result in a 60% reduction in electricity costs, providing long-term financial relief.
The investment is expected to be recovered within three years, after which the jails will become self-sufficient in energy, reducing the financial burden on the provincial treasury.
A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department stated that the decision to move to green energy was made in response to record increases in electricity and gas bills in recent years.
The proposal for transitioning all jails to solar energy has been submitted to the provincial cabinet, with a recommendation to allocate Rs2 billion in the current fiscal year's budget to kickstart the project.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Azma lauds CM's policies: Green herbs available to public at affordable prices
Azma lauds CM's policies: Green herbs available to public at affordable prices

Business Recorder

time3 days ago

  • Business Recorder

Azma lauds CM's policies: Green herbs available to public at affordable prices

LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that for the first time in Punjab's history, green herbs are available to the public at affordable prices ahead of Eid-ul-Adha. She said this is a practical example of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's pro-people policies and good governance. According to Bokhari, the Chief Minister ensured that there was no increase in the prices of essential commodities before Eid, nor was there any shortage in the markets. 'This is the first time a Chief Minister has personally monitored the situation round the clock to control prices and activate the market mechanism,' she said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

FCCI urges govt to protect environment
FCCI urges govt to protect environment

Business Recorder

time3 days ago

  • Business Recorder

FCCI urges govt to protect environment

FAISALABAD: 'Environment Protection has emerged as one of the most critical issues after economy and defence and government in collaboration with the private sector must play pivotal role to save the environment on a sustained basis,' said Rehan Naseem Bharara, President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI). Addressing a function on World Environment Day, he appreciated the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz and Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, and said that tangible results could be achieved to reduce and ultimately eliminate the excessive use of plastic in the province. The topic of the seminar was 'Zero Plastic, Zero Pollution'. He lauded the environment-related legislation and said that implementation on it is equally important to protect this only known living planet for coming generations. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Eidul Azha sees artificial price hike in Karachi as tomatoes, essentials soar
Eidul Azha sees artificial price hike in Karachi as tomatoes, essentials soar

Express Tribune

time3 days ago

  • Express Tribune

Eidul Azha sees artificial price hike in Karachi as tomatoes, essentials soar

Market analysts caution that IMF-related measures in the upcoming FY2026 budget—particularly new taxes and adjustments in energy prices—may lead to a renewed spike in inflation. PHOTO: FILE Listen to article The customary artificial surge in prices of vegetables and condiments ahead of Eidul Azha continues unabated this year, with rates of essential kitchen items increasing by up to 200 per cent in Karachi markets, Express News reported. According to a report, the price of tomatoes has jumped from Rs60 per kilogram to as high as Rs160 per kilogram, marking an increase of over 160 per cent within a week. The cost of garlic, which was retailing at Rs500 per kg, has surged to Rs700 per kg, while ginger now sells at Rs800 per kg, up from Rs600. Fresh coriander, typically priced at Rs20 per bunch, is now being sold at Rs40, and green chillies have risen from Rs380 to Rs450 per kg. In Karachi, the price of lemons has surged from Rs250 to between Rs350 and Rs400 per kilogram. Raw papaya, commonly used to tenderise meat during Eid preparations, is now retailing for up to Rs200 per kilogram. Despite repeated complaints, there appears to be little regulatory oversight to curb these arbitrary price hikes as citizens have called on the city administration to intervene and enforce official price lists, warning that such unchecked inflation burdens lower-income households during the festive period.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store