ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday linked Pakistan’s path to self-reliance with affordable electricity and a strong agriculture sector, urging authorities to fast-track work on the Diamer-Bhasha Dam by removing all hurdles in its way.
While chairing a meeting in Islamabad on the dam’s progress and broader water resource issues, the Prime Minister stressed that constructing new dams was vital.
He said increasing water storage would not only help ensure a stable water supply for agriculture but also play a key role in flood prevention.
He instructed that projects such as the Diamer-Bhasha Dam must be treated as a priority, aiming to create a dependable system for energy generation and water conservation.
The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Engineer Amir Muqam, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Moeen Wattoo, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan Gulbar Khan, and other relevant authorities.
The Prime Minister gave clear directions for urgent action to eliminate delays and complete the project as soon as possible. He underlined the need to use water resources efficiently to support the economy and meet the country’s growing agricultural and energy needs.
Previously, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during his visit to Gilgit-Baltistan, went to the site of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam and reviewed the progress of its construction.
While speaking at the location, the Prime Minister noted that the Diamer Bhasha project had been launched during the time of Mian Nawaz Sharif and said it would play an important role in strengthening the country’s economy.
He pointed out that once completed, the dam would support the agriculture sector by improving irrigation.
The Prime Minister also encouraged foreign investors to consider putting their money into the project, saying, “We have to think about large energy projects immediately. Our crops need water supply on a large scale and we will encourage the international investors.”
Highlighting some of the earlier hurdles, he mentioned that land acquisition had posed challenges, but those issues had been resolved through mutual understanding. As a result, construction work on the Diamer-Bhasha Dam has now started.
“This project is very important for energy supply to Pakistan,” he added, stressing the need to manage water resources wisely. “We have to learn from the past to ensure saving precious water,” he said.
