Islamabad, Apr 5, 2025: Federal Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Moeen Wattoo has assured full support to the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) for the timely completion of ongoing hydropower and water infrastructure initiatives.
During a recent visit to WAPDA House in Lahore, the minister emphasized that expanding the nation’s water reservoirs and increasing the share of affordable, green hydropower in the energy mix are among the government’s highest priorities.
Muhammad Moeen Wattoo noted that these projects are vital for providing low-cost electricity, stabilizing the national economy, and ensuring long-term water security.
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Senior WAPDA officials briefed the minister on the Authority’s expansive development portfolio, which includes eight major water and energy projects currently under construction.
These include the Diamer-Basha Dam, Mohmand Dam, Dasu Hydropower Project, Tarbela 5th Extension, Kurram Tangi Dam (Stage 1), Nai Gaj Dam, Kachhi Canal Extension, and the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme (K-IV).
These projects, expected to be completed in phases between 2026 and 2030, are projected to nearly double Pakistan’s hydropower capacity from 9,500MW to 19,500MW. In addition to delivering around 10,000MW of clean, renewable electricity.
They will collectively add 9.7 million acre-feet to national water storage capacity. This would enable irrigation of an additional 3.9 million acres of farmland and supply 950 million gallons of potable water daily to major urban centers like Karachi and Peshawar.
The projects are also providing widespread economic benefits, with approximately 35,000 employment opportunities generated across the country.
Minister Muhammad Moeen Wattoo praised WAPDA’s ongoing efforts and reiterated the government’s full backing to expedite their completion.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has raised alarm over unchecked water wastage amid worsening drought conditions.
Justice Shahid Karim, while presiding over environmental petitions related to smog and resource misuse, stressed the urgent need to declare a water emergency, particularly in rural regions and arid zones like Cholistan.
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The court directed authorities to take strict action against those squandering water, especially housing societies using excessive water for non-essential activities like car washing.
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) was instructed to seal such societies and impose penalties of up to Rs 500,000. Additionally, Justice Karim barred the approval of building plans that do not include water recycling systems.
It directed the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to issue notices to institutions still involved in water wastage and to monitor compliance closely.
As weather patterns shift and the threat of drought looms large, both federal action on infrastructure and judicial advocacy for conservation reflect growing national urgency to protect Pakistan’s most vital resource water.
