Government Approves Purchase of Rs5.3 Billion Helicopter for Diamer-Bhasha Dam Project

Islamabad: The government has approved the purchase of a helicopter worth Rs5.3 billion for the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project in Pakistan, according to a report published in The Tribune by journalist Shahbaz Rana.

The decision was taken in a meeting of the Central Development Working Party (CDWP), chaired by Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal. The meeting approved the proposal to acquire the helicopter for operational use in the mega dam project.

Officials stated that the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) had initially included Rs600 million in the PC-1 for leasing a helicopter. However, the authority later requested a shift from leasing to outright purchase, arguing that permanent ownership was necessary for operational efficiency and emergency response.

The helicopter is intended for use at the Diamer-Bhasha Dam site, where construction teams include foreign engineers, particularly Chinese experts, who require rapid emergency evacuation, security support, and transport facilities.

Govt okays helicopter purchase!

The government on Thursday approved the purchase of a Rs5.3 billion helicopter for the Diamer Basha dam scheme and increased the cost of another hydropower project by a staggering 285%. https://t.co/jWHnjwPfBY

— Shahbaz Rana (@81ShahbazRana) May 22, 2026

WAPDA reportedly justified the purchase by citing past security incidents in which foreign engineers working on major dam projects were targeted in attacks, resulting in loss of life. The helicopter would also be used for official visits, medical emergencies, and high-level inspections.

The government has also finalized a separate agreement with a Russian company for the purchase of two new Mi-17V5 helicopters.

Interestingly, WAPDA had previously sought approval for the purchase of three helicopters worth Rs13.2 billion for the Diamer-Bhasha, Dasu, and Mohmand dam projects. However, at that time, Minister Ahsan Iqbal had objected, arguing that the Cabinet Division already maintains a helicopter squadron and maintenance system that could be utilized instead of purchasing new aircraft.

Despite earlier reservations, the policy has now been revised, and approval has been granted for the new multi-billion-rupee helicopter procurement.