Punjab Minister for Energy, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar lauds record development allocation for Energy dept in FY 2026-27 budget

Punjab Minister for Energy, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, has paid rich tribute to Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for allocating record development funds for the Energy Department in the Provincial Budget 2026-27, terming it a major step towards energy self-sufficiency and sustainable development

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2026) Punjab Minister for Energy, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, has paid rich tribute to Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for allocating record development funds for the Energy Department in the Provincial Budget 2026-27, terming it a major step towards energy self-sufficiency and sustainable development.

He said the Chief Minister’s people-centric and progressive vision is steering Punjab towards modern energy solutions, environmental protection, and long-term economic stability.

According to the minister, Rs4.30 billion has been allocated for development expenditures of the Energy Department, while Rs1.43 billion has been earmarked for non-development expenditures in the upcoming fiscal year. He said these allocations reflect the government’s strong commitment to strengthening the energy sector and improving service delivery.

Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar highlighted that the Renewable Energy Development Sector Investment Program (REDSIP) is being implemented with a total cost of Rs12.86 billion to promote renewable energy initiatives across the province, ensuring access to clean and affordable energy.

He further stated that the Chief Minister’s CM Free Solar Panel Scheme has already provided solar systems to 90,000 households at a cost of Rs9.

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7 billion. An additional Rs900 million has been proposed in the next budget to expand the programme and extend its benefits to more citizens.

The minister added that under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program, solar systems with a combined capacity of 30 megawatts have been installed at 38 WASA sites and 51 Tehsil Headquarters Hospitals at a cost of Rs8.50 billion, significantly reducing energy costs in public sector institutions.

He said several new initiatives have also been included in the FY 2026-27 budget to promote sustainable energy reforms. These include the implementation of the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), establishment of the Punjab Appliance Performance and Energy Lab, public awareness campaigns on energy conservation, and industrial facilitation through innovative energy solutions, with a combined cost of around Rs12 billion.

The minister emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, these initiatives will not only address energy challenges but also promote green energy adoption, environmental protection, industrial growth, and public relief.

He expressed confidence that Punjab’s energy sector is entering a new era of innovation and sustainability, contributing significantly to the province’s economic development and long-term prosperity.