PESHAWAR
\nIn a decisive push to tackle Pakistan\u2019s deepening energy crisis, the federal government is intensifying efforts to harness the country\u2019s vast hydropower potential, with the Mohmand Dam emerging as a flagship project in this national drive.
\nDespite possessing an estimated 60,000 MW of untapped hydropower capacity\u2014half of which lies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone\u2014Pakistan has significantly lagged behind regional peers in utilizing this renewable resource.
\nChina has constructed nearly 98,000 dams, India over 5,300, while Pakistan has built only about 150 since its independence, experts said.
\n\u201cThe key to Pakistan\u2019s economic, agriculture and social development lies in energy affordability and water security\u2014both of which can be achieved through comprehensive dam infrastructure,\u201d said Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naeemur Rehman Khattak of the University of Peshawar.
\nHe noted that the northern regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab are especially conducive for both large- and small-scale hydropower initiatives.
\nThe Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) recently marked a major milestone with the commencement of main construction work on the Mohmand Dam being built on River Swat.
\nSituated on the Swat River in the tribal district of Mohmand, this strategically important project forms a cornerstone of Pakistan\u2019s future energy and water security.
\nStanding at a towering height of 213 meters, the Mohmand Dam will be the world\u2019s fifth highest concrete-faced rockfill dam.
\nIt will store 1.29 million acre-feet (MAF) of water, enabling irrigation for 18,233 acres of new land while enhancing water availability for another 160,000 acres of existing farmland.
\nEqually crucial is the dam\u2019s energy output. With an expected generation capacity of 800 MW, it will supply 2.86 billion units of clean, renewable electricity annually to the national grid.
\nDuring a recent visit to the construction site, Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo and WAPDA Chairman Engr Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd) reaffirmed the government\u2019s commitment to completing the project by 2027\u201328.
\nThe minister inspected several key components, including the diversion system, spillway, power intake tunnel, and powerhouse\u2014where work is progressing across 14 active construction sites.
\n\u201cMohmand Dam is more than just a power project\u2014it\u2019s a comprehensive response to Pakistan\u2019s challenges of energy shortages, water scarcity, and flood risks,\u201d Minister Wattoo said.
\n\u201cThe federal government is fully committed to supporting WAPDA\u2019s mega projects, recognizing the urgency of water conservation and sustainable energy.\u201d
\nBeyond power generation and irrigation, the dam is expected to play a critical role in flood mitigation for downstream areas including Peshawar, Charsadda, and Nowshera, which are increasingly vulnerable to climate-induced disasters.
\nAdditionally, it will provide up to 300 million gallons of potable water daily to Peshawar, significantly easing the city\u2019s drinking water crisis.
\nExperts and environmental advocates have widely welcomed the project, stressing that investment in hydropower is not only economically prudent but also environmentally essential.
\nAs global fuel prices climb and climate change accelerates, renewable energy solutions like hydropower are imperative.
\nHowever, hydropower remains underutilized in Pakistan\u2019s energy mix, constrained by policy inertia, bureaucratic red tape, and periodic public opposition to large-scale infrastructure.
\nThe successful execution of the Mohmand Dam and similar projects could pave the way for a national transition toward cleaner and more resilient energy systems.
\nAs Pakistan moves towards a greener future, the role of dams as multipurpose infrastructure\u2014for power, water supply, and disaster management\u2014has never been more critical.
\nWith sustained political resolve, transparent oversight, and community engagement, the country can chart a path toward energy self-reliance and long-term economic and food stability.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PESHAWAR In a decisive push to tackle Pakistan\u2019s deepening energy crisis, the federal government is intensifying efforts to harness the country\u2019s vast hydropower potential, with the Mohmand Dam emerging as a flagship project in this national drive. Despite possessing an estimated 60,000 MW of untapped hydropower capacity\u2014half of which lies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone\u2014Pakistan has […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":480764,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-480750","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-peshawar"},"yoast_head":"\n