Faisal Zahid Malik Chairman &CEO of Pakistan Observer and WAPDA Chairman Engineer Lt Gen (Retd) Sajjad Ghani discussing important matters in a meeting in Islamabad.
Mr. Faisal Zahid Malik Chairman and CEO of Pakistan Observer called on Chairman WAPDA Engineer Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd) in Islamabad on Friday.During the meeting, the important matters including WAPDA’s development portfolio as well as water and power scenario of the country came under discussion. The under-construction projects include Diamer Basha Dam, Mohmand Dam, Dasu Hydropower Project, Tarbela 5th Extension, Kurram Tangi Dam Stage 1, Nai Gaj Dam, Kachhi Canal Extension and Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme (K-IV) were also discussed during the meeting. Mr.Malik also expressed optimism about WAPDA’s future under the leadership of Mr. Ghani. Underlining the significance of media in shaping the public opinion, Mr. Faisal Zahid Malik reiterated that Pakistan Observer, being one of the leading English dailies in Pakistan, would continue playing its role in highlighting the need of constructing mega water reservoirs for sustainable development in Pakistan. Emphasizing the need for a comprehensive revamping, Mr. Malik underscored the importance of leveraging the Chairman’s expertise to enhance WAPDA’s operational effectiveness.
The formulation of a new plan for electricity generation, with a particular focus on the role of hydel power plants in meeting the nation’s energy needs also came under discussion.
The ongoing challenges pertaining to supply and demand dynamics, coupled with the persistent issue of day-to-day increases in electricity tariff, were also discussed.
Mr. Malik asked about the prospects for alleviating the burden on customers, seeking insights into any potential relief measures amidst the prevailing economic challenges.
He emphasized the importance of promoting hydel and solar energy as a viable alternative, encouraging initiatives aimed at harnessing the potential to mitigate energy deficits and reduce dependency on traditional sources.
Mr. Ghani said that WAPDA had been playing a key role for national development since its inception in1958. He said they are committed to water, food and energy security of Pakistan.
Referring to the under-construction projects, he said that WAPDA is implementing the largest development portfolio comprising eight mega projects in water and hydropower sectors.
“These projects are destined to revolutionise the economic landscape of Pakistan with much needed water and economically most affordable hydel electricity for a green and bright Pakistan,” said Mr. Ghani.
The Chairman WAPDA said that scheduled for completion in a phased manner from 2024 to 2029, these projects would double the WAPDA hydel generation from 9,500 MW to 19,500 MW with an addition of about 10,000 MW clean, green and low-cost hydel electricity to the National Grid.
Besides, these projects, he said, would also add 9.7 Million Acre Feet (MAF) to the gross water storage of the country, sufficient to irrigate another 3.9 million acres of land and provide 950 million gallons per day for drinking purpose to Karachi and Peshawar. The Chairman said these projects are also providing about 35,000 job opportunities throughout Pakistan.
Mr. Ghani said despite economic crunch, construction work continues on these projects without any interruption and at a good pace.
WAPDA, he said, achieved the landmark of river diversion at Dasu Hydropower Project in February 2023, while at Diamer Basha Dam in December 2023. WAPDA, he stated, is also likely to achieve the milestone of river diversion at Mohmand Dam Project also in next three months.
The Chairman also elaborated the measures being taken by the incumbent management to reform WAPDA into a more efficient organisation.
