Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal chaired a high-level meeting on Monday to review critical PSDP projects in the power and hydel sectors. The meeting focused on project progress, financial allocations, and implementation challenges.
Officials briefed the minister on 37 major power sector projects with a total approved cost of Rs. 1.7 trillion. Of this, Rs. 1.1 trillion had already been spent up to June 2025, while the throw-forward stood at Rs. 492.4 billion. The PSDP allocation for 2025–26 is Rs. 104.7 billion, with additional funding demand of around Rs. 175 billion expected in the first quarter.
Prof. Iqbal emphasized that regular portfolio reviews are essential to ensure public funds are used efficiently. He said cost overruns and delays must be identified early, and projects with high economic and social returns should be prioritized.
The minister instructed the Power Division to prepare a project-wise breakdown and submit a year-wise financing and execution plan for the next three years. Near-completion projects should be prioritized to convert investments into operational assets quickly.
Key power sector projects reviewed included the 2x660MW Jamshoro coal-fired plant, Power Distribution Enhancement Investment Programme (Tranche-I) AMI, electricity distribution improvement projects in MEPCO and HESCO, and the 500kV Matiari–Moro–Rahim Yar Khan transmission line.
Major hydel projects reviewed included the Dasu transmission lines, Ghazi-Barotha Hydropower Project, and upgrades to NTDC’s telecommunications and SCADA system, including power evacuation from Dasu Hydropower Project Stage-I.
Prof. Iqbal directed secretaries of Planning, Finance, Economic Affairs, Power, and Water Resources to identify financial, technical, and administrative bottlenecks for fast-track resolution. He said a disciplined three-year rolling PSDP plan would reduce incomplete projects, contain fiscal pressure, and improve energy security and economic growth.
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The meeting concluded with instructions to finalize a priority-wise list of critical projects and determine the minimum annual PSDP funding required for timely completion.
