ISLAMABAD — The federal government expects the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project to start generating electricity by next year, bringing much-needed clean and low-cost energy into Pakistan’s national grid.
This announcement was made by Federal Minister for Water Resources, Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, during a recent visit to the construction site, where he reviewed the ongoing progress along with WAPDA Chairman Naveed Asghar Chaudhry and other senior officials.
Once operational, the project will add 1,530 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity to the grid and is expected to contribute an average of 1.347 billion units of affordable hydropower annually. According to officials, the project is being constructed on Tunnel No. 5 of the Tarbela Dam, with major financial support from the World Bank ($390 million) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank ($300 million).
Speaking to media during the visit, the minister reaffirmed that hydropower remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s least-cost energy strategy, and the government is fully backing WAPDA to ensure timely completion of strategic projects. “We are committed to accelerating the shift toward clean, green, and sustainable energy,” Wattoo said. “This is not only essential for lowering electricity costs for consumers, but also for securing long-term economic stability.”
The site visit included a comprehensive briefing on the seven active work fronts of the Tarbela extension, including progress on the power intake, penstock, connecting tunnel, and powerhouse. Officials confirmed that construction was on track and power generation is expected to begin in 2026.
Expressing satisfaction with the pace of work, the minister urged project managers to stick closely to deadlines. “Timely delivery is crucial. Every unit of hydropower we can bring online will reduce our reliance on expensive imported fuels,” he added.
In addition to the Tarbela update, the minister also shared timelines for other key WAPDA projects. He said the Mohmand Dam is slated for completion by 2027–28, while the Dasu Hydropower Project is progressing rapidly and will come online sooner. The Diamer-Bhasha Dam, however, will take longer due to its scale and complexity.
Wattoo noted that the federal government—under the prime minister’s direct supervision—is giving top priority to enhancing water storage, increasing domestic energy production, and boosting economic resilience. “The PM is personally monitoring these projects. We are holding regular meetings to identify solutions and remove any bottlenecks,” he said.
Speaking at the occasion, WAPDA Chairman Naveed Asghar Chaudhry highlighted that although currency fluctuations may affect per-unit costs, the focus remains on completing the project efficiently and within budget. “We’re working hard to deliver this project to the nation as early as possible,” he said.
The Tarbela 5th Extension is a critical piece of Pakistan’s energy future, especially as demand for affordable electricity continues to rise. Once completed, it will play a key role in stabilizing the grid and cutting the country’s dependence on fossil fuels.
