Pakistan denies cancellation of Diamer-Bhasha Dam hydropower component

The Pakistani government has rejected reports claiming that the 4,500 MW hydropower component of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project has been cancelled. The Ministry of Economic Affairs described such claims as baseless and misleading, clarifying that the project remains a national priority.

The Diamer-Bhasha Dam is designed as a dual-purpose infrastructure project intended to enhance both water storage capacity and energy security. It is planned to provide approximately 6.4 million acre-feet of live water storage alongside its 4,500 MW hydroelectric power generation capacity.

According to ministry officials, planning for the hydropower component is ongoing in coordination with the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and other relevant ministries. The government emphasized that the power generation facilities remain a defining element of the project's long-term design.