This letter refers to the article ‘Case for Kalabagh Barrage’ (June 14, 2025) by Humayun Saifullah Khan. It is encouraging to see voices from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) highlighting the need for irrigation water in southern KP. The writer points out that KP is not fully utilising its water share under the 1991 Water Accord, resulting in an annual loss of Rs 1,056 billion as water flows unused down the Indus River.
As an alternative, I propose the Soan Dam/Indus-Soan Link Canal project. Though costlier than the Kalabagh Barrage, its benefits are far greater. The Soan Dam would store flood water from the Indus via the link canal, with an estimated capacity of 38–48 MAF. This stored water could be released as needed. It would also generate 5,240 MW of affordable electricity.
Syed Hussein El-Edroos
Islamabad