Terbela /Ghazi-UNS: : The Tarbela Fifth Extension Hydropower Project has reached 56 percent completion, with power generation expected to begin in April 2027.
Chairman WAPDA, Lieutenant General Muhammad Saeed (Retired), visited the project site to review construction progress.
The project has a total installed capacity of 1,530 megawatts and is expected to supply the national grid with 1.46 billion units of low-cost electricity annually.
During the visit, the Chairman directed officials to accelerate construction work while ensuring strict quality standards.
Meanwhile, serious allegations of large-scale corruption have also emerged regarding the project. According to sources, significant quantities of copper and other valuable metals have allegedly been stolen from the project site.
Sources claim that the theft took place with the alleged involvement and facilitation of certain government officials.
It is further alleged that materials worth millions were smuggled out through the mountainous routes of Tarbela, transported on pack animals.
Sources also report that due to corruption, mismanagement, and an alleged nexus of corrupt officials, a foreign consultant associated with the project has withdrawn.
Despite these allegations, no legal action has reportedly been taken against the accused individuals so far.
There are growing expectations from the current Chairman WAPDA that he will initiate legal proceedings against those involved in corruption and hold all responsible elements accountable.
