The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has firmly rejected recent allegations of financial misconduct and irregularities related to its ambitious project of providing free solar energy systems to 130,000 low and middle-income households.
In a statement, the provincial administration dismissed the media reports as “baseless” and claimed they were part of a “misleading propaganda campaign” driven by vested interests within the solar industry.Â
The provincial government emphasised that the project, which is being carried out through the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO), is fully transparent and in line with all regulatory and financial protocols.
The initiative, which aims to benefit thousands of households in the province, was recently launched by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who inaugurated the first phase through an online e-balloting process. The government clarified that the online selection system was implemented to ensure fairness and transparency, with eligible beneficiaries being selected in a completely open and unbiased manner.
Authorities further stated that no funds have been disbursed yet under the scheme, nor has any vendor been contracted. The cost estimates for the project have been carefully developed according to the Market Rate System (MRS) 2024, and the provincial Finance Department has approved the market analysis associated with these estimates.
The project underwent extensive evaluation, including clearance from a Technical Committee, to ensure its viability and compliance with all necessary standards. Despite the criticisms, the provincial government remains committed to the successful implementation of the solar energy initiative, which it views as a critical step toward improving energy access for underserved communities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has made it clear that it will continue to move forward with the project, ensuring that transparency, accountability, and public trust remain at the core of its execution.
Earlier, a segment of local media reported the discovery of financial irregularities amounting to Rs33 billion in the project, citing allegations of inflated pricing, limited competition, and significant breaches in the tendering process. These reports have raised doubts about the transparency and fairness of the project’s execution.
