ISLAMABAD -UNS : The Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives convened today on Friday, to review several significant national projects. The meeting was chaired by Senator Quratulain Marri and the Committee deliberated on water resource management, infrastructure development, and key ongoing initiatives that are crucial to Pakistan’s development.
The meeting began with a somber note, as Fateha prayers were offered for the martyrs of the Jaffar Express train tragedy. Senator Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman led the prayers for those who lost their lives in the terrorist attack.
“Water availability is rapidly decreasing due to rising population and effects of climate change,” warned officials during the meeting and also stated that Pakistan is currently facing water shortages due to inefficient management, rapid ground depletion and climate change impact. The Ministry of Planning apprised the Committee on key initiates taken under the Uraan Pakistan and 5Esframework to counter effects of climate change and improve national water resources and flood management system and enhance conservation efforts. While acknowledging Governments plan the Committee however emphasized the need to immediately develop clear and precise goals to address problem of water scarcity in order to safeguard the future of coming generations
During the meeting, Senator Quratulain Marri raised concerns over the display by the Ministry of Planning & Development of controversial Kalabagh Dam as one of the proposed project. Chairperson Committee noted that “Three provincial assemblies have already passed resolutions against the construction of this dam, and it should be removed from the Planning Commission’s presentations and proposals.” One of the items discussed was the progress on the Gomal Zam and Darawat Dams, which are also critical to enhancing water storage and agricultural development.
### Bhasha Dam and Hydropower Projects: Progress and Challenges
The Committee was briefed on the progress on the Bhasha Dam wherein the Committee expressed doubts about its timely completion even by 2035.
The Dasu Hydropower Project, another vital energy project, is set to be completed by 2027, with financing provided by the World Bank. The Secretary of Water Resources also shared that the Gomal Zam Dam, completed in 2014 and handed over to the Provincial Government, had faced issues due to the provincial government’s failure to develop infrastructure in its command area. Had the infrastructure been completed, the project could have brought significant development to the region.
### Karachi’s Clean Water Project: A Vital Initiative
The committee also discussed the major project aimed at providing clean drinking water to Karachi. The project, which is slated to be completed by June 2026, has already seen 57.8% of its work completed. Despite the challenges posed in execution of the project and effective coordination between the stakeholders, the Secretary of Water Resources reassured the committee about the project’s progress on part of the Federal Government.
### Railways’ Upgradation and China’s Support
A significant portion of the meeting was devoted for discussion regarding current status of Railways’ ML-1 project. The Committee was apprised that the project, expected to cost $1.1 billion, is primarily financed by loan from China under CPEC, which has committed to providing 85% of the cost of the project, with Pakistan covering the remaining portion, whereas the Ministry is currently awaiting arrival of the Technical Team from China in order to proceed further. However, Chairperson Committee Senator Quratulain Marri voiced concerns about the delays caused by the Chinese technical delegation’s absence, which has held up progress. Chairperson Committee recommended the Ministry to also look for alternate sources of finances for the project in case further delays are expected.
The meeting, attended by Senators Jam Saifullah Khan, Shahadat Awan, Zeeshan Khanzada, Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, and Senator Atta ur Rehman, highlighted the Government’s commitment to addressing the nation’s critical infrastructure and water resource needs. However, it also emphasized the challenges of financing, coordination, and timely completion of key projects, particularly in view of financial constraints, security concerns, and the ever-pressing impacts of climate change.
The committee is set to continue its oversight of these projects in upcoming meetings, with a focus on ensuring that these national initiatives remain on track for completion.
