The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s Rs13 billion project to provide free solar systems to its citizens is facing major obstacles due to bureaucratic delays and violations of procurement rules, The News reported.
The project, aimed at addressing the energy needs of low-income families, has encountered a serious setback as the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organisation (Pedo) proceeded with the tendering process even before obtaining official approval for the PC-I, violating standard procedures.
The PC-I, which was submitted to the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP), has been awaiting approval for over three months, and despite this, the tendering process was advanced.
The PDWP, which is responsible for reviewing and approving projects of this nature, has expressed concerns over the premature tendering and the elevated rates outlined in the PC-I, further delaying the project’s progress.
KP Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, officially launched the “Solarisation of Homes” initiative in March 2025, aiming to provide free solar systems in two phases.
Under the first phase, 32,500 households were to receive solar systems at a cost of Rs7.5 billion, while another 32,500 families were expected to benefit from subsidized systems under Phase II. However, the project’s progress has been marred by procedural hurdles, leading to concerns about its timely implementation.
Pedo issued tenders for the project in December 2024, with the technical and financial proposals being opened in January 2025. However, the premature opening of bids without proper approval from the PDWP has raised questions regarding the transparency of the entire process.
Zubair Khan, the Secretary of Energy and Power, defended the actions of Pedo, stating that the project had been initiated upon the Chief Minister’s direction and that all objections raised by the PDWP would be addressed once the PC-I is approved. However, concerns remain regarding the project’s delayed timeline and procedural irregularities.
In a related development, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised concerns over a Rs200 million advance payment made for the mosque solarization project in Mardan, instructing a formal inquiry.
The committee also examined irregularities within the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA), including the diversion of funds meant for development projects to cover operational expenses.
With the audit reports under scrutiny and ongoing investigations into procurement practices, the PAC has urged departments to adhere to transparency guidelines to ensure the proper utilization of funds and efficient execution of projects.
