A delegation of the National Workshop Balochistan visited WAPDA House, Lahore today for a detailed briefing on WAPDA’s plan for the development of water and hydropower projects. The delegation was briefed on Pakistan’s water, food, and energy security; water dynamics in the country; effects of climate change; implications of the Weaponization of Water by India; and WAPDA’s contributions to national development. WAPDA is currently constructing Diamer Basha Dam, Mohmand Dam, Dasu Hydropower Project, and Tarbela 5th Extension, which will add approximately 10 MAF to gross water storage and 10,000 MW of clean, green and affordable hydel electricity to the National Grid.
During the interactive session, Chairman WAPDA Lt Gen Muhammad Saeed (Retd) highlighted the challenges to Pakistan’s water security due to climate change and India’s unilateral holding of the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. The Chairman also elaborated the need for new water reservoirs and factors behind the slow-paced development of water resources in the country. He further said that Whole of Nation Approach is essential to ensure Pakistan’s water, food and energy security. The Chairman also clarified WAPDA’s role and mandate following the unbundling of WAPDA in 2007.
Member (Finance) Naveed Asghar Chaudhry, Member (Power) Muhammad Arfan Miana, Member (Water) Asim Rauf Khan and other senior WAPDA officers were also present on the occasion.
