GILGIT – A high-level meeting was held between officials of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and Abrar Ismail, Caretaker Minister for Planning and Finance of Gilgit Baltistan, focusing on potential welfare projects in the Diamer district and the broader strategic framework for regional development.

The meeting took place between the GB Minister and Brigadier Shoaib Taqi, the General Manager of WAPDA in charge of the Diamer Bhasha Dam project. Discussions centered on a detailed review of potential welfare initiatives in Diamer district where WAPDA could provide technical and financial assistance.

Furthermore, both sides emphasized the importance of executing projects on a Government-to-Government (G2G) basis. This framework is intended to enable the Government of Gilgit Baltistan to utilize WAPDA’s financial resources effectively. By doing so, the region aims to ensure the efficient planning and timely execution of developmental projects across various parts of the territory, aligning with its own priority sectors.

Background:
The Diamer Bhasha Dam, located on the Indus River in Diamer district, is a multi-purpose mega-project designed to address Pakistan’s water storage shortages and generate low-cost hydroelectric power. Once completed, it is expected to have a gross storage capacity of over 8 million acre-feet and an installed power generation capacity of 4,500 megawatts. Due to the scale of the project, WAPDA maintains a significant operational presence in Diamer. Welfare initiatives in the district are often tied to the dam’s development framework, aiming to improve local infrastructure, education, and healthcare for communities affected by the reservoir’s construction and resettlement process.