Lahore: Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Mueen Wattoo has emphasized that the government is prioritizing water storage and the development of clean, affordable hydropower projects to stabilize Pakistan’s economy. During his recent visit to Wapda House, the minister outlined the federal government’s commitment to enhancing water resources and hydropower generation, which will contribute significantly to the national grid.
He assured senior Wapda officers that the Ministry of Water Resources would provide full support for the timely completion of key projects in the water and energy sectors. These projects, he added, are essential to the country’s water, food, and energy security.
Currently, Wapda is overseeing a substantial development portfolio, which includes eight major projects in both the water and hydropower sectors. These projects are set to revolutionize Pakistan’s economic landscape by providing much-needed water storage and low-cost hydel electricity. Notable ongoing projects 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).
Scheduled for phased completion between 2026 and 2030, these projects are expected to increase Wapda’s hydropower generation capacity from 9,500 MW to 19,500 MW, effectively adding 10,000 MW of clean, green electricity to the national grid. Additionally, these projects will increase the country’s water storage capacity by 9.7 Million Acre Feet (MAF), enough to irrigate 3.9 million acres of land and provide 950 million gallons of drinking water daily for cities like Karachi and Peshawar.
The successful completion of these projects is seen as a major step toward ensuring sustainable energy and water supply for Pakistan’s future, supporting the country’s economic growth and addressing critical challenges in agriculture, industry, and urban water distribution.
Wapda remains focused on executing these projects in a timely manner, and with strong support from the Ministry of Water Resources, the realization of these initiatives is expected to significantly impact Pakistan’s development in the coming years.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
