The Ministry of Economic Affairs has rejected reports claiming that the 4,500-megawatt power generation component of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project has been cancelled, describing the reports as baseless and misleading.
According to a ministry spokesperson, the Diamer-Bhasha Dam remains a national priority project, with both water storage and hydroelectric power generation continuing to form key components of the development.
The clarification comes after reports circulated suggesting that the dam’s planned power generation facilities had been abandoned.
Government denies project cancellation
The Ministry of Economic Affairs said the government has not cancelled the power generation facilities planned under the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project.
The spokesperson stressed that the hydropower component remains part of the overall project and that work related to its planning is continuing.
The ministry also urged the public to rely on official and authentic sources for information about the status of the major national project.
Planning for hydropower component continues
According to the ministry, planning for the hydropower component is continuing in coordination with the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and other relevant ministries.
The government remains committed to completing the Diamer-Bhasha Dam along with its planned hydroelectric facilities, the spokesperson said.
The ongoing coordination is aimed at advancing the power generation component while work on the broader dam project continues.
Major water and energy project
The Diamer-Bhasha Dam is being developed as a major infrastructure project intended to strengthen Pakistan’s water storage capacity and energy security.
The project includes both a large water-storage component and a planned hydroelectric power generation facility.
Once completed, the 4,500MW power generation component is expected to make a significant contribution to Pakistan’s electricity supply.
The government has described the project as strategically important because of its potential role in addressing the country’s long-term water and energy requirements.
Ministry calls reports misleading
The ministry’s latest statement seeks to clear up uncertainty surrounding the future of the hydropower component.
Officials said reports suggesting that the power generation facilities had been cancelled were incorrect and should not be treated as official information.
The government reiterated that the hydropower planning process is continuing with WAPDA and relevant ministries.
The clarification is also significant for Pakistan’s broader energy planning, as the proposed 4,500MW capacity could eventually add substantial generation capacity to the national electricity system.
For now, the ministry has confirmed that the power generation component remains part of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project and that planning work is continuing.
Also read: Govt Simplifies Approval for Rooftop Solar Systems
