PM takes action on Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project Crisis

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed urgent measures to address the complete halt in power generation at the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project. The decision came during a high-level meeting convened at the PM House to review the project’s status.

The Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project, which ceased operations last month, faced critical issues stemming from pressure drops in its headrace tunnels (HRT). Former federal interior secretary Shahid Khan, leading the investigative committee, presented a preliminary report highlighting substantial financial losses to the national exchequer due to the shutdown.

Key revelations from the meeting indicated that deficiencies in the project’s construction and maintenance were noted as far back as 2021 during the PTI administration. Reports of pressure anomalies in the HRT were allegedly suppressed, leading to prolonged operational issues and substantial financial implications.

PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed dismay over what he termed as “criminal negligence,” emphasizing the failure to conduct third-party validations and address geophysical factors during the project’s execution. He issued directives to swiftly complete the investigation into the recent shutdown, identify responsible parties, and ensure stringent actions against them.

In attendance were several high-ranking officials including Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Power Minister Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, and Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik. Also present were Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Jehanzeb Khan, Coordinator to PM Rana Ehsaan Afzal, and Wapda Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Sajjad Ghani, among others.

The Prime Minister underscored the urgency of rectifying the issues at Neelum-Jhelum to resume power generation swiftly and mitigate further financial losses.