Gilgit-Baltistan signs first public-private partnership deal for new hydropower project

ISLAMABAD - In a historic move, the Gilgit Baltistan government has signed its first public-private partnership deal with AKDN (Industrial Promotion Services Asia) to build the first run of the river power project in GB.

G-B's Finance Adviser Waqar Abbas Mondoq told DailyPakistan that the private sector engagement is pivotal for the development in Gilgit Baltistan. This is the first run of the river project in GB and if it gets successful the government will replicate the future projects on the same model.

Gilgit-Baltistan has the potential to produce more than 45,000 megawatts of hydroelectricity. "Pakistan's total electricity demand from both residential and industrial is 25000 MW. If utilised properly, GB has so much potential that it can not only meet all energy needs of the country but will be in a position to export electricity to neighboring countries," Abbas added.

"This milestone will unlock the massive opportunities available in this region, through the private sector-led growth model Gilgit Baltistan government will facilitate private sector investments in the region. Due to no legal cover for private sector investments, Gilgit Baltistan so far didn’t have any large scale investments. PPP will now provide a legal framework and facilitate large-scale investment in the region," he added. 

Gilgit Baltistan currently relies on 100% federal grant, the rollout of PPP will not only strengthen the revenue base of the G-B Government but also will reduce its dependency and burden on the federal government budget. The finance adviser further added that more investment will be routed to the region through PPP mode in tourism and other sectors. 

The agreement has been signed by Mansoor Dhanani CEO NPAK (Industrial Promotion Services) & Sajjad Haider (Secretary Water & Power) Govt of GB. The signing ceremony is attended by Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan, Chief Secretary Gilgit Baltistan, Director NPAK IPS, Adviser Finance Gilgit Baltistan, Additional Chief Secretary Gilgit Baltistan, and all key officials from both parties.