Ayaz for moving ICJ against Indian attack on hydropower project

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Friday suggested that Pakistan approach the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the Indian strikes on the Neelum–Jhelum Hydropower Project (NJHP), which reportedly caused significant damage.

The suggestion came during the National Assembly’s question hour, following a supplementary question by MNA Malik Aamir Dogar, who raised concerns over media reports of an Indian attack on the hydroelectric project.

Responding to the query, Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Mueen Wattoo acknowledged the concerns and confirmed that damage assessments were ongoing. He said the ICJ proposal was under consideration and affirmed that India could not unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty or withhold Pakistan’s share of water.

While specific damage estimates have not yet been disclosed, the minister informed the House that the government had engaged the relevant international forums to seek compensation and had initiated dialogue with India over the issue.

Earlier, in response to a question from MNA Shagufta Jumani, the minister said that the federal government had launched a comprehensive investigation into the collapse of two tunnels at the NJHP. A final report from three committees, including one led by a foreign expert, is expected within a week.

He added that around Rs6.6 billion had been spent to repair the Tailrace Tunnel (TRT), enabling the plant to resume full 969MW capacity in March 2024. The Neelum–Jhelum Hydropower Company (NJHPC) spent Rs3.8 billion in FY2022–23 and Rs3 billion in FY2023–24 on the repairs, with the expenditure approved by its Board of Directors.

However, the plant suffered another shutdown in May 2024 due to technical issues in the Head Race Tunnel (HRT). The rehabilitation contract for the HRT has not yet been awarded, pending further investigations. A committee established by the prime minister is also probing responsibility for the tunnel failures.

Currently, NJHPC is operating under a provisional take-and-pay tariff, which does not provide capacity payments or a return on investment. The company is sustaining operations through available resources and receivables from the Central Power Purchasing Agency Guarantee (CPPAG).

According to the National Power Control Centre, Pakistan’s power generation capacity remains sufficient to meet system demand, and no load-shedding is being carried out due to generation shortfalls. However, the temporary closure of NJHP has led to an increase in overall generation costs, as more expensive thermal plants are being dispatched to meet energy requirements.

To avoid future shutdowns, the government has directed project consultants to review and improve maintenance protocols. Proper operation and adherence to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) guidelines are expected to ensure long-term plant reliability.

In a reply to another question, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Fazal Chaudhry informed the House that the government would not be purchasing wheat during the current year.

He said the federal government was formulating wheat policy for next year to incentivise wheat farmers and encourage the private sector to invest in wheat sector supply chain. “Though the government will not procure wheat, farmers who are able to store their produce in their own warehouses will be compensated,” he said.

The minister said that wheat is currently performing well in the open market, which is benefiting farmers and improving their income. “There are no restrictions on the movement or transport of wheat across the country,” he said.

He said the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (Passco) is not involved in wheat procurement this year, and its continued operation is no longer considered viable. “As a result, the government has decided to close down Passco,” he said adding that the services of a consultant TAGM & Co to handle the evaluation and develop a winding-up plan within three months. He said the firm will assess the total value of Passco’s assets, including offices and warehouses.

In a reply to another question, Minister of State for National Health Services Mukhtar Ahmad Malik in his remarks, said there is no shortage of medicines. He said manufacturing of generic drugs is being encouraged and facilitated as these are cheaper than the branded drugs.

While Responding to various questions during the question hour, the Parliamentary Secretary Ministry of National Health Services Nelson Azeem said that steps were being taken to improve the training and education of nurses in Pakistan. He said maternal mortality in Pakistan was 27 to 30 per 1,000, which was very high compared to the world, and the mortality rate of newborns is also very high.