Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed installation of solar-powered panels at the government buildings in the capital within seven weeks.

The prime minister said the step would reduce reliance on imported fuel and would generate environment-friendly electricity.

Chairing a review meeting on the progress of solar project, the prime minister directed the authorities concerned to complete the installation of solar projects on emergency basis.

The meeting was informed that 496 solar panels would be installed in Islamabad, 340 in big cities including Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad and Quetta, and 1,255 panels at other public buildings.

Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the federal ministers including Khwaja Asif, Ishaq Dar, PM’s Adviser Ahad Khan Cheema, PM’s Special Assistant Jahanzeb Khan and relevant officials.