US EditionGovt Expedites Dams Amid India Tensions
- Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced on May 25, 2025, that Pakistan will accelerate completion of hydro projects like Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams to secure water in response to India’s actions.
- This decision comes after India halted its involvement in the Indus Waters Treaty and announced intentions to substantially increase water withdrawal from rivers that supply irrigation to Pakistani farmland.
- The government prioritizes funding for these projects despite a development budget shortfall of Rs2 trillion, capping low-priority projects while fast-tracking high-priority ones for water security.
- Iqbal emphasized that ensuring the security of Pakistan's water resources is a key focus, and mentioned that over 1,000 agricultural engineers have been dispatched to China for training to advance agricultural modernization.
- The accelerated projects and increased defence budget for fiscal year 2025-26 reflect Pakistan’s focus on safeguarding sovereignty amid ongoing tensions with India and water-related disputes.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Govt expedites dams amid India tensions
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday said the government would expedite the completion of all hydro-related projects, including Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams, to prevent India from gaining any strategic advantage. "We are prioritising them so that Pakistani water is secure," Iqbal said while speaking to a delegation of engineers led by Secretary General Institution of Engineers Pakistan (IEP) Engr Ameer Zameer. He stated that work on hydro…
Planning Minister hints at raising defence budget due to regional security situation
It is a national duty to provide armed forces whatever they need in this budget to bolster the country’s defense: Ahsan Iqbal LAHORE: Federal Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday hinted at raising the defense budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26 following the recent escalation with India and New Delhi’s suspension of decade-long water-sharing Indus Water Treaty. The minister was talking with repo…
Pakistan to expedite hydropower projects after India suspends water treaty
An aerial view of the Dasu Hydropower Project. — Wapda website/FileISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday announced that the government would accelerate work on key hydropower projects, including the Diamer Bhasha Dam, in response to India’s unilateral...
Run-of-river projects better than damming the Siang
Editor, As India marches towards energy security and development, the question is not whether we need power but how we generate it. The 10,000 mw dam proposed on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh has been touted as a landmark hydroelectric leap. But as we weigh the benefits, it becomes clear: there is a better […]
Pakistan will increase defence budget: Ahsan Iqbal
F.P. Report LAHORE: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday said that Pakistan will raise its defence budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26 keeping in view the recent escalation with India. Earlier this month, the minister had announced that the federal budget would be presented on June 2, however, Adviser to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad said yesterday that the budget would be presented on June 10, while the Pakistan Economic Su…
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