90% work on hydro projects completed

K-P CM’s aide blames federal govt for delays

PESHAWAR:

Ninety per cent of the work on three hydropower projects, totalling 61 megawatts, has been completed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

However, the projects are facing delays due to the central government's delays in commercial operation dates and power purchase agreements.

Sharing details, Adviser to the K-P chief minister on finance Muzammil Aslam stated that 90% of the work on the Jabori Hydropower Project in Mansehra (10 MW), the Karora Hydropower Project in Shangla (11 MW), and the Koto Lower Dir Hydropower Project (40 MW) has been completed.

He also mentioned that more than 50% of the work on the Lawi Hydropower Project in Chitral (69 MW) and the Gorkin Matiltan Hydropower Project in Swat (84 MW) has been completed, with funding from the ADP and the Hydropower Development Fund.

However, Aslam urged the central government to finalise power purchase agreements for these projects promptly, saying that both the central and provincial governments would benefit.

He highlighted the financial burden on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to the additional Rs40 billion in salaries for employees in merged districts.

He said that the K-P chief minister has informed the prime minister and the federal finance minister, but the central government has remained unresponsive.

Moreover, Aslam supported PTI leader Asad Qaiser in criticising the federal government for its inadequate funding for merged districts.

He lamented that despite a 60% increase in salaries, the federal government was providing only Rs66 billion, while increasing funds for Kashmir from Rs70 billion to Rs107 billion and for Gilgit-Baltistan from Rs51 billion to Rs68 billion, displaying discriminatory treatment towards K-P and its merged districts.

Aslam further stated that despite these injustices, K-P has delivered the largest surplus budget in its history. “Negotiations on ongoing expenses for merged districts are underway, and the ball is now in the federal government's court,” he added.