Pakistan parliament became the first in the world to completely run on solar power, a venture supported by China with $55 million funding. First announced in 2014, the venture has been funded by the Chinese government as an act of friendship, with the solar power plant costing around $55 million. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a simple ceremony switched on solar-powered building of the parliament in capital Islamabad. Chinese ambassador to Pakistan was also present during the ceremony.

The project to run parliament on solar power was launched last year when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited and addressed the parliament. The parliament’s solar panels will generate 80 MW power.

Pakistan’s parliament has become the first in the world to run entirely on solar power. There are some parliaments like the Israeli Knesset which are partly run on solar power.

Did You Know???

• Gwadar port is the largest deep sea port in the world, located at the South Western Arabian Sea, along the coast line of Balochistan, Pakistan.
• Karakoram Highway has been constructed at a height of 15,397 ft between China and Pakistan. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.
• Khewara Salt Mines are the world’s second largest, and Pakistan’s oldest salt mines.  It was discovered by Alexander the Great’s troops in 320 B.C.
• The Thar desert is located on the border between Pakistan and India. It’s the world’s ninth largest sub-tropical desert.