Pakistan's Hydropower Dreams Dim Amid Funding Crisis

Pakistan faces growing challenges in its water and hydropower projects due to severe funding shortages and escalating construction costs. Key projects, including the Dasu Hydropower Project and Diamer-Bhasha Dam, face decades-long delays, raising concerns over the country's future water security and energy planning.

Severe funding shortages and rising construction costs are pushing Pakistan's crucial water and hydropower projects into a state of uncertainty, according to Samaa TV. The lag in infrastructure progress poses a serious threat to the nation's long-term water security and energy strategy.

The Dasu Hydropower Project stands as one of the most delayed, with its estimated cost skyrocketing to nearly Rs 1.74 trillion. Alarmingly, at the current financial pace, completion may take 65 years. Authorities are urging for Rs 145 billion in the next federal budget to keep the project afloat.

Similarly, the Diamer-Bhasha Dam faces financial hurdles, with costs now exceeding Rs 1.04 trillion, yet only Rs 93.77 billion is proposed for the next fiscal year, suggesting a 46-year timeline. Other projects like the Mohmand Dam and urban and irrigation schemes are equally affected, jeopardizing their timely completion.