PM Directs Inquiry into Failures of Neelum-Jhelum Power Project

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed an investigation into the responsibilities for the shortcomings in the Neelum-Jhelum power project, labeling them as criminal negligence. Experts have identified design flaws in the project, leading to significant disruptions. “It is unfortunate that such gross negligence has occurred in such a large and critical project,” stated the Prime Minister’s office.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, a crucial meeting was convened regarding the Neelum-Jhelum Hydro Power Project. Former Federal Secretary Interior Shahid Khan presented an initial investigative report into recent failures within the project, highlighting issues in the head race tunnels causing a substantial reduction in electricity generation since April 29, 2024, and complete shutdown from May 2, 2024.
It was disclosed during the briefing that the shutdown of the project has resulted in billions of rupees in losses to the national exchequer. The PM emphasized that during the PTI government’s tenure in 2021, similar abnormal pressure reductions were observed in the head race tunnel, yet no action was taken despite expert warnings, leading to deliberate oversight.
The report on the project’s failures also noted that no maintenance work was undertaken during the PTI government’s tenure, exacerbating losses due to ongoing issues. Investigations into the 2021 failures are also being incorporated into the current inquiry.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed dismay over the lack of geological surveys and proper concrete lining in the head race tunnel during the project’s construction, which further compounded the negligence. He ordered the immediate completion of the investigative report and strict action against those found responsible for the failures in the Neelum-Jhelum Hydro Power Project.
He further instructed the formation of a committee to expedite the reactivation of the project. The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers including Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ataullah Tarar, Power Minister Owais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Petroleum Minister Masood Malik, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Jehanzaib Khan, PM’s Coordinator Rana Ehsan Aziz, WAPDA Chairman Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Sajjad Ghani, former Federal Secretary Interior Shahid Khan, and other senior officials.