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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.
Express Tribune
22-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
CM eyes Punjab as tourist hub
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the launch of a tourism project, "Magnificent Punjab," aimed at transforming the province into a regional and international hub for history, culture, and tourism. As part of the initiative, 170 historical sites, including 101 gurdwaras and 53 churches, will be developed into world-class tourist destinations. The mapping of these sites has already been completed. The project has been in the works for five months under the leadership of Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who approved key proposals. The Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority is set to be established to oversee all tourism and heritage-related institutions. A new tourism policy and the Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority Act 2024 have also been prepared to ensure structured development. CM Maryam Nawaz has allocated funds in the Annual Development Plan for the restoration of Punjab's heritage sites in three phases, with work starting in July. The first phase is expected to be completed by June, while the second and third phases will follow. Immediate PC-I approval has been directed for 16 tourism projects, including Bansara Gali, Tourist Village, and various parks. Among the major initiatives, Taxila will be developed into an international "tourist city", while Chhanga Manga will be transformed into a modern entertainment center modeled after Switzerland. The Taxila Museum will be upgraded with modern display centres, a Siddhartha Gallery, and new places of worship for Buddhist visitors. 46 inactive gurdwaras will also be restored to attract Sikh pilgrims. CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized the protection of minority religious sites and the upgradation of infrastructure to provide world-class facilities for tourists. The Dilkush Lahore project has been allocated Rs400 million to preserve Mall Road's historical significance. For the first time, Punjab has been divided into nine tourist regions under the "Tourist Trails" initiative, covering key historical and cultural sites. A safari train will run along these trails, and tourists will receive special discounts through partnerships with the private sector. The 17th-century Hiran Minar is also set for restoration, and the Blue Dome will be expanded. Around Rs240 million has been approved to modernize the 131-year-old Lahore Museum. With UNESCO's support, Punjab's 1,000-year history will be preserved using digital storytelling. Tourists will experience Punjab's culture, folk tales, music, art and Sufi heritage through interactive technology. A digital tourism app has also been developed to provide travel information and services directly to visitors. CM Maryam Nawaz emphasised that promoting tourism will boost Punjab's economy and enhance Pakistan's global image. "Nations that forget their history, culture, and heroes disappear. We are bringing Punjab's rich heritage to the world," she stated. She also praised Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and her team for their dedication, expressing confidence in the successful execution of the project.
