She presided over a meeting of the Energy Department in this regard here on Monday         Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz seen in this image dated December 19, 2023. —Facebook/Maryam Nawaz Sharif

LAHORE: In view of rising cost of electricity, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved providing solar panels to people consuming 50 to 500 units of electricity monthly. She presided over a meeting of the Energy Department in this regard here on Monday and approved in principle the ‘Roshan Gharana Programme’ of the provincial government.

She said, “The Punjab government will provide solar system to crores of consumers consuming electricity from 50 to 500 units, and 90 per cent of the solar panels’ cost will be paid by the provincial government and 10pc by consumers.”

She added, “The programme beneficiaries would pay the government-provided amount in easy instalments in five years.” She said the government would not leave people alone in difficult situations. “We are trying to save people from effects of past disasters,” she said and hoped that after five years, people would not have to face the current issues.

CM Maryam called a cabinet meeting on Tuesday (today) to formally approve the ‘Roshan Gharana’ programme. She said, “Through a transparent procedure, solar systems will be given to the poorest families in phase-I”, and added that in winter, instalment of solar panels would be relatively less, and the panels would only be supplied by the government. She added, “As per users’ needs, ratio between the government electricity and the electricity obtained from solar system would be determined.”

CM Maryam Nawaz also chaired a meeting of the provincial apex committee on Monday, which was also attended by corps commander Lahore, chief secretary Punjab, IG Police and other senior government, intelligence and military officers.

The forum took a holistic view of the prevailing security situation in the province and measures being taken to ensure public safety and national security in line with the revised National Action Plan.

The forum also reviewed comprehensive arrangements for security of foreign nationals, including Chinese employed on CPEC and non-CPEC projects in the province.

The participants were also briefed on an elaborate security plan aimed at ensuring peace and harmony during the month of Muharram. Effective monitoring of the processions using high-tech gadgetry and tiered employment of various security forces would be done for effective security.

The forum also held extensive discussion on monitoring mechanisms of floods during monsoon and short- and long-term measures for protection of people and livestock from anticipated floods including rescue and relief plans in various contingencies. The forum resolved to continue unified efforts for ensuring public safety and well-being in the province.

Separately, while congratulating all Pakistanis on the start of new Islamic year, CM Maryam Nawaz said: “May the new Hijri year bring peace and blessings for Pakistan, Pakistani nation and the entire Muslim Ummah.”

She added, “On the start of new Hijri year, we reiterate our resolve to learn from the life and teachings of Holy Prophet (SAW).” The CM said, “We should pledge to strive for upholding principles of compassion, justice, unity and tolerance in all Muslim societies.”

She added, “Muharram reminds us of the great sacrifice of Prophet’s (SAW) grandson Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions. The battle of Karbala is an example of unwavering courage, sacrifice and steadfastness in the face of cruelty.”

She prayed, “May Allah (SWT) grant freedom to the oppressed Muslims of Palestine and Kashmir in the new Hijri year.” She urged Muslims, “On the beginning of new Islamic year, embrace the spirit of brotherhood, and pledge to make things easier for each other.”