Islamabad, January 18, 2025 – The World Bank will conduct an Implementation Support and Progress Review Mission for the Dasu Hydropower Project (DHP) Stage 1 from February 10 to March 5, 2025. The mission will evaluate the project’s progress and address implementation challenges.
The 242-meter (794 ft) tall dam, designed to support a 4,320 MW hydropower station, is being constructed in two 2,160 MW stages. The project is scheduled to begin power generation in July 2027. However, progress has slowed significantly, with delays linked to restrictions on international workers’ transportation and a shortage of armored vehicles for movement in project areas.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs has expressed concerns over the delay in securing revised PC-1 approval from the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), which has also stalled the signing of a $1 billion additional financing agreement.
Mission Objectives
The mission, led by Task Team Leader Gunjan Gautam (Senior Energy Specialist), will engage with key stakeholders, including:
Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR)
Ministry of Energy (Power Division)
WAPDA management
National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC)
Local authorities, including Commissioner Hazara and Deputy Commissioners from Upper and Lower Kohistan
The team includes senior specialists and consultants focusing on energy, environmental, social, procurement, and financial management aspects.
Previous Missions and Additional Efforts
A World Bank mission in September 2024 highlighted similar concerns about slow progress. On January 15–17, 2025, the Bank fielded another mission to discuss support for Pakistan’s power transmission infrastructure, focusing on high-priority projects under the Transmission System Expansion Programme (TSEP).
The January mission emphasized:
Reviewing techno-economic studies for priority projects.
Feasibility studies for the Matiari-Moroline transmission line.
Supporting NTDC restructuring and project implementation.
Advancing the Reactive Compensation Devices (STATCOMS) project for enhanced system stability.
With collaboration from development partners such as ADB, ISDB, and USAID, these efforts aim to bolster Pakistan’s energy sector. The World Bank continues to advocate for efficient project execution to meet critical power generation and transmission goals.
Story by Mushtaq Ghumman
