Diamer-Bhasha dam to generate low-cost hydel power: PM

CHILAS: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said the Diamer-Bhasha Dam will generate low-cost environment-friendly hydel power in the country.

The prime minister arrived in Gilgit-Baltistan to kick off the mega construction work on the Diamer-Bhasha dam. He was accompanied by CPEC Chairman and Special Assistant to PM on Information and Broadcasting, Asim Saleem Bajwa.

Addressing a public gathering in Chilas after visiting the site of the dam, the prime minister said Diamer Bhasha Dam will be the third-largest dam of the country. He said it was envisaged 40 years ago but work on the project is being started today.

He said the government will neither have to import fuel for this project nor will it affect the climate, nor will it add to the global warming problems of the country.

He said Pakistan has huge potential for hydel power which needs to be tapped and the government will launch other hydel power projects. During 1990s decisions were made to generate electricity through imported fuel caused current account deficit, he added.

The prime minister said Diamer-Bhasha Dam will change the fate of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan by creating employment opportunities for them. He said the tourism sector in the region will also get promoted with the implementation of the mega project.

Imran Khan said the PTI government is focused to uplift the living standard of the downtrodden. He said the government has enhanced budget of Gilgit-Baltistan with an aim to provide maximum facilities to the people of the region.

Earlier, the Prime Minister was briefed on Diamer Bhasha Dam project. Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and DG ISI Lt. General Faiz Hameed were also present on the occasion.