The Federal Constitutional Court was informed on Monday that the Gaj Dam project in Sindh remains less than 50 percent complete despite significant financial overruns, with the contractor reportedly receiving Rs. 36 billion beyond the project’s original estimated budget.
The case was heard by a two-member bench headed by Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, which reviewed concerns related to delays, cost escalation, and overall project management of the dam construction.
According to details presented in court, the contractor responsible for the Gaj Dam project has already been paid substantially more than the initial budget allocation. However, despite these payments, progress on the project has remained below the 50 percent completion mark, raising serious questions about oversight, efficiency, and accountability.
The court proceedings focused on the reasons behind prolonged delays and the sharp increase in project costs. Officials highlighted concerns regarding planning gaps, execution delays, and possible administrative shortcomings that contributed to the situation.
The bench later adjourned the hearing until June 11 and directed Additional Attorney General Amir Rehman to present detailed arguments at the next session. The court is expected to further examine contractual obligations, financial disbursements, and project timelines in upcoming hearings.
Infrastructure experts note that dam projects in Pakistan often face challenges such as funding delays, land acquisition issues, technical hurdles, and coordination gaps between provincial and federal authorities. These factors can significantly slow down progress and increase overall project costs.
The Gaj Dam, once completed, is expected to play a key role in water storage, irrigation support, and flood management in Sindh. However, the current situation has raised concerns about project viability and long-term planning effectiveness.
Public interest in the case remains high, as infrastructure spending and water resource management continue to be critical issues in Pakistan, particularly in regions facing water scarcity and climate-related pressures.
The court’s upcoming hearing is expected to provide further clarity on accountability measures and possible corrective steps to ensure completion of the project.
