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ISLAMABAD, Feb 04 (APP): Federal Minister for Water Resources, Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, on Wednesday assured that the federal government was addressing the energy challenges of Gilgit-Baltistan on a priority basis, with a focus on the timely completion of hydropower and dam projects.
The assurance was given during a meeting between Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah and the federal minister.
The meeting featured a detailed discussion on ongoing and proposed hydropower projects in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Mueen Wattoo said that the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the revised PC-I of the Harpo Hydropower Project on February 2.
He added that a high-level steering committee meeting for the Harpo Power Project in Skardu has been convened on February 12 to review progress and address outstanding issues.
Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah highlighted the severe impact of electricity load-shedding on educational institutions, businesses, and domestic life in the region. He stressed the urgent need for accelerating power projects to meet the growing demand.
The federal minister reiterated the government’s commitment to completing all pending energy projects at the earliest. He said the timely completion of dams would not only help overcome electricity shortages but also address water-related challenges.
“Completion of dams will provide a sustainable solution to both power generation and water management,” Wattoo said, adding that Gilgit-Baltistan’s vast hydro power potential is a key priority for the federal government.
He emphasized that coordinated efforts between the federal government and Gilgit-Baltistan authorities would ensure long-term energy security and socio-economic development in the region.