To address the ongoing energy crisis in the country, dam construction projects are underway, including the Mohmand Hydropower Project on the Swat River in the tribal district of Mohmand.
Inaugurated in May 2019, the project was initially slated for completion by 2024–25. However, it has yet to be finished within the announced timeframe.
Federal Minister for Energy and Water Resources, Mian Muhammad Moeen Wattoo, inaugurated Phase II of the Mohmand Dam project, accompanied by WAPDA Chairman Lt. Gen. (R) Sajjad Ghani.
Speaking to the media, the federal minister cited multiple reasons for the delay, including severe flooding in recent years.
Despite the setbacks, he said construction work is now progressing rapidly, and the dam is expected to be completed before 2027.
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The minister highlighted growing concerns over water scarcity in the country, noting that several water storage projects are under consideration.
While drinking water remains a concern, he clarified that it is not yet at a critical level. Addressing the Indus Waters Treaty with India, he noted that although India has used the term “water blockade,” no such terminology exists in the agreement.
He emphasized that the treaty cannot be unilaterally terminated or suspended, and any changes must be mutually agreed upon.
He asserted that the treaty remains legally binding, and Pakistan will continue to raise its concerns on all international forums, including the International Court of Justice and the United Nations.
He warned that any attempt to block water would be considered an "act of war" and that Pakistan will not allow anyone to infringe upon its water rights.
During the visit, the federal minister conducted a detailed inspection of the Mohmand Dam project, reviewing construction sites such as the diversion system, power intake tunnel, spillways, and powerhouse. Project officials briefed him on ongoing work at 14 different sites and the overall progress.
Located on the Swat River in Mohmand district, the dam stands 213 meters tall and will be the world’s fifth-largest Concrete Face Rock Filled Dam (CFRD). According to WAPDA, the dam will have a storage capacity of 1.29 million acre-feet, enabling irrigation of 18,233 acres of new farmland in Mohmand and Charsadda, and enhancing water availability for an additional 160,000 acres.
With a power generation capacity of 800 megawatts, the dam will annually contribute 2.86 billion units of clean, low-cost electricity to the national grid.
It is also expected to protect Peshawar, Charsadda, and Nowshera districts from flooding and supply 300 million gallons of drinking water daily to Peshawar. Moreover, the project is projected to create employment opportunities for over 6,000 individuals.
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