April 19, 2025 – Pakistan: The World Bank (WB) has raised concerns over the slow progress of the Dasu Hydropower Project (DHP), urging the Pakistani government and the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) to swiftly address security and logistical challenges that are hindering its timely execution.
In a letter to the Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, WB Country Director Najy Benhassine highlighted that stringent security measures and a slow approval process have become major barriers to the project’s advancement. The WB noted that over 1,700 security personnel are currently deployed at the site, but inefficiencies in their management have led to delays in staff movements.
Additionally, travel to the project site is heavily reliant on helicopters, which frequently face weather-related disruptions, further slowing progress. The Pakistani government recently secured $1 billion in additional financing for the project, increasing pressure to ensure smooth execution.
Local protests and delays in demolishing houses for resettlement have also contributed to setbacks. The WB has urged the government to expedite the demolition of houses that have already been compensated for relocation, as the backlog is obstructing critical infrastructure development necessary for the dam’s completion.
The organization has set deadlines for various project stages by mid-2025 and called for greater cooperation between local authorities and security teams to resolve these issues efficiently.
