Latest news with #MuhammadMueenWattoo
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Climate
- Business Recorder
Monsoon season: Minister for immediate clearance of storm water drains
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Mueen Wattoo has directed the concerned authorities to ensure immediate clearance of storm water drains in major urban centres to deal with the monsoon water. Chairing 60th Annual Meeting of the Federal Flood Commission (FFC), he called for enhanced inter-agency coordination and round-the-clock vigilance to manage flood risks during the upcoming monsoon season, set to begin on July 1. The federal secretary Water Resources and the chairman, Federal Flood Commission were also present in the meeting. The annual meeting, held to assess national preparedness for Monsoon Season 2025, brought together representatives from federal agencies and provincial governments, to review flood mitigation strategies and pre-emptive measures for the safe passage of potential floodwaters. While briefing the federal minister, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasted normal to slightly above-normal rainfall across central and southern Pakistan for the July to September period. Enhanced precipitation is expected in northeastern Punjab and Kashmir, while northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan may experience normal to below-normal rainfall. The forecast also warns of higher-than-normal temperatures nationwide, increasing the likelihood of extreme hydrological events such as riverine floods, flash floods, urban flooding, and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). In response to these forecasts, Federal Minister Mueen Wattoo, directed to ensure immediate clearance of storm water drains in major urban centres. He also directed the removal of encroachments and debris around waterways, particularly near barrages and key infrastructure such as National Highways Authority (NHA) and Pakistan Railways bridges, to prevent floodwater blockages. Special attention was given to the de-silting and encroachment removal from urban nullahs in flood-prone cities including Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. The chairman of the FFC briefed attendees on pre-monsoon initiatives undertaken by the commission including readiness assessments and coordination plans. Stakeholders reported on ongoing monitoring of river flows, infrastructure readiness, and the functionality of meteorological and telemetry systems. The National and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities also shared their preparedness strategies. Officials from Tarbela and Mangla dam management authorities presented their standard operating procedures for controlled flood discharge during peak flows. Wrapping up the meeting, the minister directed concerned authorities to ensure the safety of vulnerable communities and public infrastructure. He appreciated all participants for their commitment to flood preparedness and national safety. He also expressed a firm commitment to maintaining strong performance in the coming days. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
24-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Construction of Mohmand Dam to be completed by 2027-28
LAHORE: WAPDA achieved yet another landmark on Mohmand Dam Project, as construction work has commenced on the Main Dam. Prior to achieving this landmark, several pre-requisites such as river diversion, up and downstream starter (coffer) dams, dam plinth and excavation of left and right abutments and dam foundations were completed. Mohmand Dam is scheduled for completion in 2027-28. Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo visited Mohmand Dam Project to mark the occasion. Chairman WAPDA Engr Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (retd) also accompanied him. The GM/PD Mohmand Dam along with his team and Project Managers of the Consultants and the Contractors were also present on the occasion. The Federal Minister had a detailed visit of the key sites and observed construction activities going on there. These sites included Diversion System, Power Intake Tunnel, Main Dam, Spillway and Power House. During on-the-sites briefings, the Federal Minister was apprised by the Project Team that construction work is continuing on 14 different sites. The Federal Minister was also briefed about the site-wise progress on the Project. The Federal Minister expressed satisfaction over the progress on the Project. He said that the Federal Government is fully cognizant of the increasing needs of water and affordable electricity in the country, that is why, WAPDA and Ministry of Water Resources have been making all out efforts for completion of the under construction mega projects. Mohmand Dam, being amongst these projects, will help fulfilling requirements of water and low-cost electricity in Pakistan. He hoped that WAPDA would complete Mohmand Dam and other projects as per their timelines. The Ministry of Water Resources will provide full support for the purpose, the Minister added. Mohmand Dam Project being constructed across River Swat, in Tribal District Mohmand of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. The 213-meter Mohmand Dam is the 5th highest concrete faced-rock fill dam (CFRD) in the world. It has a gross water storage capacity of 1.29 MAF sufficient to irrigate 18,233 acres of new land in Mohmand and Charsadda, besides supplementing irrigation supplies to 160,000 acres of existing land. With installed power capacity of 800 MW, the Project will provide 2.86 billion units of green, clean and affordable hydel electricity to the National Grid annually. It will not only help save Peshawar, Charsadda and Nowshera from flooding but also provide 300 million gallons water per day to Peshawar for drinking purpose. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
IWT suspension: NA condemns India's unilateral decision
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Thursday, unanimously, passed a resolution strongly condemning India's unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), terming it a blatant violation of international law and an act of war. Federal Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Mueen Wattoo presented the resolution in the House. The House, unanimously, passed the resolution. The resolution urged the government to take immediate diplomatic and legal steps against India's 'unlawful and unilateral declaration' to hold the decades-old water-sharing agreement in abeyance. 'This House is of the opinion that the government should take immediate steps to condemn India's unlawful and unilateral declaration to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance in blatant violation of the Treaty, which clearly amounts to an act of war,' the resolution stated. Lawmakers from opposition and treasury benches expressed their similar sentiments on the issue of water. Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani condemned the move and directly accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of pursuing a hostile agenda. He warned that any attempt to stop Pakistan's water supply amounted to a declaration of war and would not be tolerated. Earlier, during the question hour session of the National Assembly, the Ministry of the Interior submitted a reply to a question that as part of the campaign against electricity theft, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has conducted 14,859 raids since March 16, 2024. So far, 1,350 inquiries and 1,836 cases have been registered. This has resulted in the arrest of 971 suspects and the recovery of over four billion rupees, he said. He said that investigations of electricity distribution companies have revealed that, since April 1, 2024, 1389 officers and officials have been found involved in corruption. As part of the effort to stamp the issue out at the roots, 736 inquiries and 193 cases have been registered which have resulted in 261 arrests, he said. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry told the House during question hour that the appointment of the director general of National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority in dealing with cybercrime related incidents has been made. He said about 500 employees are currently working in it and a proposal has been moved to recruit more people in it. Responding to a point of order raised by Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi said concrete steps are being taken to reclaim encroached railway land across the country. He said the government is actively pursuing the revival of old railway routes, particularly Rawalpindi-Chakwal Line saying this will also help promote tourism. The National Assembly was informed that 39 cases of intending Hajj pilgrims who were unable to perform the pilgrimage due to illness have been accommodated by replacing them with other willing individuals. Parliamentary Secretary for Religious Affairs Shamsher Ali Mazari responded to a calling attention notice raised by MNA Shagufta Jumani and others regarding alleged injustices faced by pilgrims and their replacements. Mazari stated that all 39 cases were resolved on the basis of blood relations, ensuring that the replacements were close family members. However, Jumani claimed that in such cases, additional charges of up to PKR 700,000 were being demanded from pilgrims. Responding to supplementary questions, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said the government was ready to assist any other sick pilgrims who may need support. He emphasised that food arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims followed a merit-based system in accordance with Saudi laws. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
10-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Harpo Hydropower Project: minister discusses reasons for delay
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Water Resources, Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo on Friday held a meeting on the Harpo Hydropower Project (HPP) and discussed reasons for its delay. The Harpo Hydropower Project is a 34.5 megawatt (MW), run-of-river power generation facility located in the Harpo Lungma area near Skardu. Utilizing the water flow from the Harpo Nullah — a tributary of the Indus River—it is designed to produce approximately 170 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy annually. The ground breaking ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan in 2024. The project is expected to significantly improve electricity supply in the region, benefiting over 350,000 residents and contributing to Pakistan's renewable energy goals. PM directs completion of two hydropower projects In April last year Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed that work on two hydropower projects in Attaabad and Harpo should be accelerated and sought action plan with regard to solar energy projects in Gilgit-Baltistan. He also formed a committee with respect to the solution of the problems faced by Gilgit-Baltistan following his meeting with Gulbar Khan, Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan. The PM directed that the committee should submit its recommendations after consultation on all the issues facing Gilgit-Baltistan. The chief minister highlighted the strategic and developmental significance of the Harpo Hydropower Project for Gilgit-Baltistan and emphasized the need for swift and effective implementation. He directed that all legal and procedural formalities be completed at the earliest stage to preempt any legal or administrative obstacles, and to avoid future cost escalations. 'This project is of immense benefit to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. We must expedite progress, ensure excellent delivery standards, and make transparency a cornerstone of this effort' the chief minister said. During the meeting, the committee discussed the issues related to the Harpo Hydropower Project, the financial mechanism with the foreign donor, AFD, and the financing gap in the PC-I. The minister instructed the concerned departments to take up the unresolved issues with the appropriate forums for immediate resolution and directed that all land-related records be thoroughly documented and maintained. The minister further emphasized that the entire process must remain transparent, with regular updates and access to information for stakeholders and the public. All financial disbursements, he stressed, must strictly follow the guidelines of the Government of Pakistan. The minister argued that the government's commitment to projects that promote equitable development, adding that 'these projects are not just infrastructure investments—they are pathways to prosperity. Delivering them efficiently is aligned with our national vision.'The meeting was attended by the federal secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, chief secretary Gilgit-Baltistan, chairman Wapda, and senior officials from relevant departments. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
10-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Harpo Hydropower fast-tracked for G-B
Listen to article A meeting of the High-Level Committee on the Harpo Hydropower Project (HPP) was convened today at the Ministry of Water Resources under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo. The Minister highlighted the strategic and developmental significance of the Harpo Hydropower Project for Gilgit-Baltistan and emphasised the need for its swift and effective implementation. He directed that all legal and procedural formalities be completed at the earliest stage to pre-empt any legal or administrative obstacles, and to avoid future cost escalations. "This project is of immense benefit to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan," the Minister stated. "We must expedite progress, ensure excellent delivery standards, and make transparency a cornerstone of this effort." The Harpo Hydropower Project is a 34.5 megawatt (MW), run-of-river power generation facility located in the Harpo Lungma area near Skardu. Utilising the water flow from the Harpo Nullah — a tributary of the Indus Riverit is designed to produce approximately 170 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy annually. The ground breaking ceremony was performed by the Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan in 2024. The project is expected to significantly improve electricity supply in the region, benefiting over 350,000 residents and contributing to Pakistan's renewable energy goals. During the meeting, the committee discussed the issues related to the Project, the financial mechanism with the foreign donor, AFD, and the financing gap in the PC-I. The Minister instructed the concerned departments to take up the unresolved issues with the appropriate forums for immediate resolution and directed that all land-related records be thoroughly documented and maintained. Federal Minister further emphasised that the entire process must remain transparent, with regular updates and access to information for stakeholders and the public. All financial disbursements, he stressed, must strictly follow the guidelines of the Government of Pakistan. He reiterated the government's commitment to projects that promote equitable development.
