ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the immediate elimination of all administrative, legal, and logistical barriers impeding the progress of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, emphasizing that the project is vital for Pakistan’s economic independence and sustainable energy future.
Strategic Project Prioritized Amid Economic, Climate Pressures
Chairing a high-level meeting on national water infrastructure at the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday, the premier underscored the importance of expanding the country’s water storage capacity and securing affordable energy.
“Our economic self-reliance hinges on affordable energy and a flourishing agriculture sector. To achieve this, enhancing water reserves and their effective utilisation is crucial,” said PM Shehbaz.
He highlighted that the Diamer-Bhasha Dam would not only deliver low-cost, renewable electricity but also mitigate flood risks and support irrigation needs year-round—key to revitalizing the agricultural sector and addressing the effects of climate change.
High-Level Officials Commit to Urgent Action
The meeting was attended by senior cabinet members and regional officials, including Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Water Resources Minister Moin Wattoo, Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, PM’s Advisor Rana Sanaullah, and Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Gulbar Khan.
Collectively, the forum agreed that enhancing water storage is not optional but essential, given the country’s increasing vulnerability to climate shocks, receding groundwater levels, and growing energy demands.
Project Milestones and National Importance
According to updates from the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), construction on the Diamer-Bhasha Dam has already achieved a critical milestone with the successful diversion of the Indus River—paving the way for full-scale development of the dam structure.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to seeing the project through on a fast-track basis, describing it as a cornerstone of national resilience.
“New dams are essential not just to produce power, but to store water for agriculture and to protect people from the devastating impacts of floods,” he said.
Project Scope and Expected Benefits
Once completed, the Diamer-Bhasha Dam is expected to store approximately 8.1 million acre-feet of water and generate around 4,500 megawatts of hydropower. This capacity is considered vital for reducing reliance on imported fuel, boosting agricultural productivity, and safeguarding communities from extreme weather events.
With Pakistan facing increasingly severe energy shortages and climate-related disruptions, the dam is positioned as a key solution in the country’s long-term development strategy.
