PM orders to expedite pace of work on Diamer-Bhasha dam

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has directed the Ministry of Water Resources to expedite efforts for construction of Diamer-Basha and Mohmand Dam and also directed that financing strategy for Diamer-Basha dam should be brought before the Council of Common Interest (CCI) for approval.

He has observed that in order to meet the challenges of water scarcity and to cater to irrigation needs of the country, there was an urgent need for undertaking water conservation measures including construction of much-needed water reservoirs.

The prime minister was briefed Monday about water resources of the country during a meeting held at Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Minister for Water Resources Syed Javed Ali Shah, Chairman Wapda Lt. Gen (R) Muzammil Hussain, Commissioner Indus Water Mirza Asif Baig, Chairman Irsa Syed Mazhar Ali Shah, Chairman Flood Commission Ahmad Kamal and senior official were present during the meeting.

An overview of annual surface water availability and distribution of western and eastern rivers was presented before the meeting along with water storage capacity available in the country. 

The meeting was informed that out of 137 MAF of available water flow at present approximately 93 MAF was being diverted to the canals for irrigation purposes while 22 MAF of water was flowing into the Arabian Sea which was much greater than the required water-flow. 

On the other hand the premier was given a briefing on Capital Development Authority (CDA). Minister of State Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Mayor Islamabad Sheikh Ansar Aziz, SAPM Miftah Ismail, member administration CADD Yassir Pirzada and senior officers of CADD division were present during the meeting.

Matters pertaining to the role and functions of CDA and the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad and various developmental activities in the Federal Capital were discussed during the meeting. The meeting was informed that construction of Signal Free & Controlled Access Corridor of Islamabad Highway from Zero Point to GT Road, Karal Interchange, construction of bridge at Sohan, Khanna Interchange, Gulberg Underpass and Naval Bridge were some of the major projects undertaken by CDA.

It was informed that recently completed projects include dualisation of Service Road (East) E-11, infrastructure development of Park Enclave (Phase-I), Multi-purpose Car parking, Facilitation Centre G-7, Sports Club F-6, Masjid Aman at Rawal Town, Faqir Aipee Road I-11 and Dualisation of SR (East) G-10 to F-10. 

The on-going projects include dualisation of Attaturk Road West, improvement of Serena Chowk, Re-surfacing of Islamabad Roads, and construction of Secretariat Masjid and rehabilitation of Service Road (West) G-11.

Various other ongoing projects were also highlighted during the meeting. Earlier, the prime minister also chaired a meeting on health related issues in the federal capital. The meeting was also attended by Federal Minister for National Health Services Mrs. Saira Afzal Tarar. The prime minister directed ICT administration, CADD and CDA to work out a plan with mutual consultation in order to ensure provision of quality health services in the urban as well as rural areas of the capital and to resolve various health sector related issues. 

Ambassador of Turkmenistan Atadjan Nurlyevich Movlamov called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and discussed with him subject of mutual interest of the two countries. The prime minister noted that Pakistan and Turkmenistan traditionally enjoy close, cordial relations marked by trust and understanding. Both the countries should set the goal of increased engagement in trade, investment and other areas, expressed the prime minister.