PM Imran Khan laments the previous government’s lack of long-term planning

The World Bank (WB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) provided USD 390 million and USD 300 million for the project, which will be completed in 2024. Lieutenant General (R) Muzamir Hussein, Chairman of the Hydropower Development Authority (WAPDA), introduced the project in detail to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister was informed that the T-5 hydropower project will improve the life of the Tabela Dam by solving sedimentation problems and ensuring sustainable irrigation release. The Prime Minister was told that the project will generate another 1,530 megawatts of low-cost and environmentally friendly electricity. With the completion of T-5, the installed capacity of the Tabela Dam will increase from 4,888 MW to 6,418 MW. The Prime Minister also planted a pine tree sapling to commemorate the event. Prime Minister Imran Khan said in his speech that due to climate change, “unprecedented wildfires” have occurred in Italy, Turkey and other countries. “We should focus on clean energy that does not harm the environment,” he said, adding that the government must try to use the least amount of fuel to generate electricity. Khan said that it is very important for the country to complete the Dasu and Basha dams on time. “It was decided in 1984 to build the Bhasha Dam,” he said. “Why is the Barsha Dam not built? Does anyone have a vision for this country?” He said that since Pakistan has never been obsessed with long-term planning, the country is facing serious problems. PM Khan said that Pakistan sells electricity at a high cost because it does not use water to generate electricity. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan is facing a shortage of water resources due to its large population. “We decided to build 10 dams in the next 10 years,” the prime minister said. Prime Minister Khan stated that the Mohmand Dam will be completed in 2025 and the Basha Dam will be completed in 2028. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farouk Habib Munis Ilahi (Moonis Ilahi). Governor Kbyber Pakhtunkhwa Shah Farman and Chief Minister Mehmood Khan also attended the meeting.