Following the directives of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, a high-level meeting of the Dasu Steering Committee was held today at the Ministry of Water Resources under the chairmanship of the Federal Minister for Water Resources, Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo; , Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan & SAFRON ,Mr. Amir Muqam (Co-Chairman) and the Secretary of Water Resources, to assess the progress and address concerns raised by the communities affected by the Dasu Hydropower Project (DHPP). The committee was constituted by the Prime Minister on 13 May 2025.
During the meeting, the Chairman of WAPDA outlined the concerns voiced by project-affected communities and gave a comprehensive overview of the ongoing resettlement efforts. He highlighted the main obstacles in relocating displaced families.
The committee was briefed on the active measures being taken to resolve these challenges and push the resettlement process forward. The Chairman underscored WAPDA’s continued coordination with relevant departments to address community concerns. While acknowledging existing difficulties, he reaffirmed the commitment to overcoming hurdles and accelerating the pace of implementation.
The committee was also briefed on progress under the Local Area Development Programme (LADP), which includes several completed and ongoing projects in health, infrastructure, and education sectors. These schemes are identified through consultation with the local administration and vetted for feasibility by WAPDA and the World Bank.
The Federal Ministers emphasized the urgency of resolving all outstanding matters within the three-week timeframe directed by the Prime Minister. The government reiterated its commitment to a transparent, inclusive, and legally compliant process aimed at ensuring the socio-economic welfare of the affected communities.
