QUETTA, Jun 24 (APP): Chief of National Party (NP) and former Chief Minister Balochistan Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch called on Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti here Tuesday.
During the meeting, they discussed the overall situation of Balochistan, public issues and development issues of the province in detail.
Both leaders agreed to prioritize public welfare, promote political harmony and uphold democratic values in the meeting.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that the development of Balochistan is the joint responsibility of all political parties and the current government believed in public service above differences. He said that consultation with elected representatives is the beauty of democracy and this process could be helpful in taking Balochistan on the path of development, stability and peace.
The chief minister emphasized that only through reconciliation, consultation and partnership could the future of Balochistan be made bright and sustainable.
PESHAWAR, Jun 24 (APP): Chairman WAPDA Naveed Asghar Chaudhry visited Dasu Hydropower Project on Tuesday to review construction work on key sites, including the main dam, powerhouse, transformer cavern and the relocated section of the Karakoram Highway (KKH-1).
The GM/PD Dasu Hydropower Project and representatives of the Consultants and the Contractors were also present on the occasion.
The Chairman also presided over a progress review meeting at the project office.
The project management team briefed him about the targets and the achievements on the project.
He was briefed that construction work is currently underway on 20 different sites and is progressing at a steady yet satisfactory pace.
Referring to the targets achieved so far and the milestones to be achieved in the days to come, it was briefed that the excavation works on both the right and left abutments of the main dam have been completed.
The extended right bypass tunnel and the right-side open channel have also been completed and are ready to divert excess river flow during the high-flow season. Excavation of the main dam foundation is continuing and is scheduled for completion by October this year. Placement of Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) in the main dam is expected to begin in March 2026. The excavation of the underground powerhouse is expected to be completed by February 2026, while the 25-kilometer-long relocated KKH-1-comprising seven tunnels and three bridges – is scheduled for completion by March 2026. Power generation from the project is expected to commence in 2027.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Dasu Hydropower Project for Pakistan’s energy needs and economic stability, the Chairman urged the Consultants and the Contractors to excel their efforts to meet the project timelines. Emphasizing upon the significance of maintaining the highest construction standards, the Chairman directed the Contractors to adhere to the stipulated quality standards for completion of the project.
The 4,320 MW Dasu Hydropower Project is being constructed on the River Indus in Upper Kohistan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the financial assistance of the World Bank.
The project is planned to be completed in two stages. Currently, WAPDA is executing Stage I, which will have an installed capacity of 2,160 MW and generate 12 billion units of clean, green, and affordable electricity annually.
It is also important to note that Rs. 17.34 billion have been earmarked to execute Confidence Building Measure schemes for economic and social development of the people in the project area.
PESHAWAR, Jun 24 (APP): Federal Ministry of Industries and Production (MoIP) here on Tuesday organized a dissemination workshop of Pakistan’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025-30 to inform stakeholders about its aim and components.
The workshop was attended by Federal Secretary MoIP, Saif Anjum, Special Assistant to KP Chief Minister on Industries, Abdul Karim Tordher, Additional Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ikramullah Khan, Provincial Secretary Transport, Chief Executive Pesco and representatives of KPEZDMC, TransPeshawar, Excise, Revenue, Planning, Board of Investment and business community.
Addressing the event, the federal secretary informed that the Ministry was working on the policy since 2024 under the directives of Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif. He told that policy was in final stages and would be presented to Prime Minister and federal cabinet after incorporating suggestions of stakeholders.
He told that provinces would be taken on board as suggestions forwarded by all the four provinces are vital to achieve the objectives of energy policy. He said that 1.5 billion dollars would be received by International Monetary Fund while IFC would provide 1.8 million dollars for assistance.
He told that under new energy vehicle policy, 30 percent of vehicles would be converted to electric power by 2030 and about 3000 charging stations would be developed across the country in the same period to charge electric vehicles.
Federal secretary said that it would reduce import bill, ensue clean environment and reduce pollution. He also highlighted subsidies that would be provided to industrialists to venture into manufacturing of energy vehicles.
CM’s aide stressed on establishment of eco-friendly environment and assured support of government to implement policies that would reduce pollution and benefit people of the province. He also underscored the need to take steps to produce lithium batteries that would be used in electric vehicles.
Former provincial minister, Adnan Jalil suggested steps to ensure continuation of policies, and support to militancy affected industrial sector of KP.
Stakeholders also forwarded concerns relating to pollution created by lithium batteries, protection of investors’ concerns, utilization of export development fund to facilitate industrialists, energy connections of charging stations of electricity vehicles, subsidy on electricity for charging stations and removing hurdles to get licenses of charging stations.
ISLAMABAD, Jun 24 (APP): Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Tuesday met the GeoGemma Team from the Institute of Space Technology (IST).
Selected among the Top 10 teams in Asia, GeoGemma’s AI-powered project—merging satellite imagery with generative AI—offers cutting-edge solutions to environmental and geospatial challenges, earning them global recognition.
The discussion highlighted Pakistan’s growing momentum in AI and geospatial innovation, the rise of student-led Google Developer Groups (GDGs), and the significance of platforms nurturing young talent.
Also present was Rehan Tahir, Head of Communications at Muslim Hands Pakistan, and Tech prodigy Ahmed Aman, developer of the AI-based “5000 App” for counterfeit currency detection, further exemplified the wave of transformative ideas emerging from Pakistan’s youth.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja lauded the team’s efforts, reaffirming the Ministry’s resolve to back youth-led innovation. “These young minds are shaping Pakistan’s digital future—we stand firmly behind them,” she stated.
The meeting ended on an optimistic note, with calls for stronger linkages between academia, international tech giants, and civil society to power Pakistan’s journey toward a future-ready knowledge economy.
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