*Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday green-lighted theconstruction of solar plants having a combined capacity of 10,000 MW, asthe government strives to save valuable foreign exchange that is being usedto import fuel.*

“Instead of generating electricity by importing expensive oil from abroad,electricity should be generated from solar energy,” said the PM during ameeting, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office(PMO).

PM Shehbaz directed concerned agencies to start work on the solar powerprojects on an emergency basis. He also instructed to hold a pre-bidconference for all stakeholders next week.

Under the project, 10,000 megawatts of electricity will be generated fromsolar power.

In the first phase, government buildings, electric and diesel-powered tubewells and low-unit household consumers will be provided with solar power.