High-Level Review Meeting by PM Focuses on Timely Completion of National Water Infrastructure
Islamabad June 4, 2025 PM Shehbaz Sharif has issued firm directives to all relevant federal and provincial departments to remove bottlenecks impeding progress on the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project, emphasizing that the strategic national undertaking must be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on the status of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam in Islamabad, the premier highlighted the dam’s central role in ensuring water security, energy generation, flood mitigation, and sustainable agricultural development in Pakistan.
Strategic Importance of the Dam
Located on the Indus River near Chilas in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, the Diamer-Bhasha Dam is one of the largest water reservoir projects under development in Pakistan. Once completed, it is expected to store over 8.1 million acre-feet (MAF) of water and generate 4,500 megawatts (MW) of hydroelectric power.
During the briefing, officials from the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) updated the Prime Minister on the current pace of construction, land acquisition progress, and resettlement plans for displaced communities. The dam’s core structure, spillways, power tunnels, and diversion systems are currently in various phases of development.
PM’s Directives for Fast-Tracking Implementation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed authorities to immediately address delays related to land disputes, bureaucratic red tape, and funding disbursements. He called for inter-agency coordination, urging federal ministries and the governments of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to synchronize efforts to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of the project.
“No excuse will be accepted for delays in a project that defines Pakistan’s water and energy future,” the Prime Minister stated.
“This is not just a construction project—it is a lifeline for generations to come.”
He also ordered the formation of a high-level monitoring committee, chaired by the Minister for Water Resources, to provide weekly progress reports directly to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Land Acquisition and Resettlement Concerns
One of the major challenges hampering the project’s progress has been land acquisition and the associated resettlement of affected communities. The Prime Minister stressed that all such processes must be handled transparently and in consultation with local stakeholders.
Government officials briefed the Prime Minister that approximately 80% of the required land had been acquired, with compensation disbursed to most of the affected families. However, remaining disputes involving tribal lands, ancestral properties, and demarcation issues continue to create delays.
In response, the PM directed relevant district administrations to expedite dispute resolution through dialogue and legal facilitation. He emphasized that the rights and welfare of the local population must not be overlooked.
Security and Environmental Measures
The Prime Minister was also briefed on the comprehensive security arrangements being implemented in collaboration with the Pakistan Army and local law enforcement agencies to safeguard the project site, foreign engineers, and associated infrastructure.
Environmental experts highlighted the mitigation strategies adopted to preserve the surrounding ecosystem and wildlife habitats. Reforestation efforts, biodiversity studies, and ecological monitoring are being undertaken as part of the dam’s Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
PM Sharif reaffirmed that development should not come at the cost of environmental degradation, urging strict adherence to international environmental standards.
Financial Oversight and International Collaboration
The Diamer-Bhasha Dam project, with an estimated cost exceeding PKR 1.4 trillion, is being funded through a combination of public sector investment, international development partnerships, and private sector contributions. The Prime Minister called for stringent financial transparency and timely audit mechanisms to prevent misuse of funds.
International firms involved in the dam’s design and technical consultancy include partners from China, Switzerland, and Germany. WAPDA representatives informed the Prime Minister that civil works were progressing steadily under the supervision of reputed global contractors and engineers.
PM Sharif stressed that collaboration with international partners must be maintained without compromising national interests or project sovereignty.
