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Rs31bn surface water project planned for Lahore

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Rs31bn surface water project planned for Lahore

LAHORE, Aug 28 (ABC): The Punjab government has planned a Rs31 billion surface water project to reduce Lahore’s dependence on groundwater by drawing and treating 54 million gallons per day (MGD) from the BRB Canal.

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Lahore currently operates 594 deep tube wells across the city. These wells supply around 329 million gallons of water daily.

WASA officials said the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved the project’s PC-I. The project will now go to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval.

“After getting the final nod, execution of the project will start,” WASA Lahore Vice-Chairman Chaudhary Shahbaz Ahmad told Wealth Pakistan.

Plant to initially supply 54 MGD

Ahmad said the Surface Water Treatment Plant (SWTP) would initially have a capacity of 100 cusecs, equivalent to 54 MGD.

WASA plans to establish the plant near Bhaini Road. In subsequent phases, its capacity would be expanded to 1,000 cusecs, equivalent to 540 MGD.

Ahmad, who is also a member of the Punjab Assembly, said the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) would provide financial assistance for the project.

The SWTP forms part of AIIB’s $235 million financing package under the Lahore Water and Wastewater Management Project.

The broader programme aims to improve water quality and reduce pollution caused by untreated sewage. It also seeks to gradually shift Lahore’s water supply from groundwater towards surface water.

The project includes laying a trunk sewer from Larech Colony to Gulshan-e-Ravi. Authorities plan to use trenchless technology to reduce pressure on stormwater drains in central Lahore.

Lahore heavily dependent on groundwater

Pakistan’s major cities meet their water requirements through a combination of surface and groundwater resources.

Karachi and Islamabad rely heavily on surface water from rivers, canals and reservoirs. Lahore, however, has historically depended on groundwater extracted through tube wells.

“Cities like Karachi and Islamabad depend heavily on surface water schemes, while places like Lahore have relied on groundwater,” Dr Ghulam Zakir Hassan Sial, Director of the Irrigation Research Institute (IRI), Punjab, told Wealth Pakistan.

He said continued groundwater extraction had significantly lowered aquifer levels, particularly in Lahore.

According to Dr Sial, groundwater levels in parts of Punjab, including Lahore, are falling by three to five feet annually. Therefore, conserving and recharging the aquifer has become increasingly important.

Surface water to ease pressure on aquifer

Dr Sial said shifting part of Lahore’s water demand to treated surface water could substantially reduce pressure on groundwater resources.

“WASA Lahore currently obtains 99 per cent of its water from the aquifer to meet the needs of Lahorites,” he said.

Using treated canal water for drinking purposes would diversify Lahore’s water supply while conserving underground reserves, he added.

The planned project would therefore represent a significant shift in Lahore’s water management approach, which has traditionally relied heavily on tube wells.

Dr Sial said greater reliance on surface water could improve the long-term sustainability of the city’s water supply.

Rainwater harvesting can support recharge

He also identified rainwater harvesting as a practical way to improve urban water management and reduce unnecessary groundwater extraction.

Dr Sial suggested that WASA promote rainwater collection and use the stored water for gardens, parks and roadside plantations managed by the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA).

Such measures could reduce the use of groundwater for landscaping and other non-drinking purposes.

“Our groundwater budget is negative. We are drawing more water while recharging less,” he said.

He stressed that Lahore would still need aquifer recharge measures even after shifting part of its water demand to surface water.

Dr Sial acknowledged that surface water infrastructure requires significant initial investment. However, he said the long-term benefits could outweigh the costs by conserving groundwater and improving water security.

“The greater the use of treated canal water, the greater the chances of checking the decline in groundwater levels,” he said.

Pakistan Railways to digitise 10 weigh-in-motion bridges by Sept 15

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Pakistan Railways to digitise 10 weigh-in-motion bridges by Sept 15

ISLAMABAD, Aug 27 (ABC): Pakistan Railways (PR) is working to digitise and integrate 10 Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) bridges with a centralised monitoring platform by September 15, 2026, under the Railway Advanced Infrastructure Network (RAIN) Project.

According to a document available with Wealth Pakistan, the initiative follows a recommendation by the Senate Standing Committee on Railways regarding the development and implementation of the project for computerisation of WIM bridges.

Under the RAIN Project, Pakistan Railways plans to integrate all 10 WIM bridges with PROMISE — the Pakistan Railway Operational and Management Integrated Services Ecosystem.

The integrated system will enable real-time monitoring and reporting of operational data. It will also support data-driven decision-making through a centralised digital platform.

First WIM bridge integrated

Pakistan Railways has already digitised and integrated one WIM bridge with the PROMISE dashboard.

The system is receiving and displaying operational data from the bridge in real time.

According to the document, the successful integration has validated the system architecture. It has also established the digital framework required to connect the remaining bridges.

Work is now underway to digitise and integrate the remaining nine WIM bridges.

Pakistan Railways has set September 15, 2026, as the scheduled completion date for the activity.

Centralised monitoring planned

Once the work is completed, all 10 designated WIM bridges will feed data into the PROMISE platform.

The centralised system will allow Pakistan Railways to monitor information from the bridges through a common digital interface rather than relying on isolated systems.

It will also provide consolidated reporting and analytics to support operational management.

The digitisation forms part of Pakistan Railways’ broader RAIN Project, which aims to use digital infrastructure and integrated information systems to improve railway operations.

With one WIM bridge already connected and work progressing on the remaining nine, Pakistan Railways expects to complete the integration of all 10 bridges by mid-September.

Pakistan substantially completes CASA-1000 infrastructure

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Pakistan substantially completes CASA-1000 infrastructure

ISLAMABAD, Aug 27 (ABC): Pakistan has substantially completed its infrastructure under the CASA-1000 Electricity Transmission and Trade Project, with overall progress reaching 99.7% on the converter station and 99.5% on the associated electrode station.

According to a project status document available with Wealth Pakistan, the Pakistan-side infrastructure includes a bi-pole ±500kV high-voltage direct-current converter station and a 66kV grounding electrode station.

Most construction and installation work has already been completed. However, full testing and commissioning of the Pakistan facilities will depend on completion of the transmission line through Afghanistan.

Converter station reaches 99.7%

The converter station has achieved 99.7% overall progress.

Engineering and design work stands at 97%, while procurement has reached 100%. Civil works and installation have both reached 99.9%.

Testing and commissioning have progressed to 99%, leaving only a small portion of work outstanding.

The associated 66kV grounding electrode station has also reached an advanced stage, recording overall progress of 99.5%.

Engineering and design work on the electrode station is 100% complete. Procurement, civil works and installation have each reached 99%, while testing and commissioning stand at 98%.

Full commissioning awaits Afghanistan transmission line

According to the document, Pakistan has substantially completed its component of CASA-1000. However, the project cannot undergo full system testing and commissioning until the Afghanistan transmission segment becomes available.

The Afghanistan transmission line is expected to be completed in September 2027.

Until then, the converter and electrode stations will remain under the care and custody of M/s Hitachi from April 1, 2026, to February 29, 2028.

The project status document places the expected start of commercial operations on May 1, 2028.

Pakistan’s remaining activities will therefore largely involve testing and commissioning once the Afghanistan transmission infrastructure becomes available.

Pakistan component backed by two World Bank loans

Two World Bank loans support the Pakistan component of CASA-1000.

The first loan, IDA-54090-PK, has a total amount of $120 million. Of this, $99.437 million, or 82.86%, has been utilised.

The document lists an unutilised amount of $9.742 million under the loan.

Pakistan signed the first loan agreement on May 11, 2015, and it became effective on January 24, 2018.

The second loan, IDA-64320-PK, amounts to $65 million. Utilisation has reached $56.821 million, or 87.41%, while the document lists $5.690 million as unutilised.

The second loan agreement was signed on November 26, 2019, and became effective on May 15, 2020.

Both loans have a closing date of December 31, 2028.

With the converter and electrode stations nearing 100% completion, Pakistan has largely finished the physical infrastructure required for its CASA-1000 component. Full system testing and commissioning will follow once the transmission segment through Afghanistan becomes available.

Pakistan: an emerging regional security power

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Pakistan: an emerging regional security power

Pakistan’s IT industry: a new hope for a new economy

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Pakistan’s IT industry: a new hope for a new economy

Pakistan’s pink salt exports reach $36m

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Pakistan’s pink salt exports reach $36m

ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (ABC): Pakistan’s pink salt exports reached $36 million in FY26, while export volume increased to more than 148,000 tonnes, as the government stepped up efforts to strengthen the product’s geographical identity, international recognition and value addition.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, pink salt exports increased from $35 million in FY25 to $36 million in FY26.

Export volume recorded stronger growth, rising from 127,924 tonnes to 148,071 tonnes during the same period.

Pakistan possesses estimated rock salt reserves of more than 65 million metric tonnes, according to Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) figures cited in the documents.

PMDC-controlled reserves exceed 36 million metric tonnes. They comprise pink rock salt from the Salt Range region and grey salt from the Kohat Saline Series. Pakistan’s salt deposits have purity levels of up to 99%.

Pakistan strengthens Khewra Pink Rock Salt identity

A key part of the government’s strategy focuses on strengthening the association of pink salt with its Pakistani geographical origin.

International markets commonly refer to the product as “Himalayan Pink Salt.” Pakistan, however, has registered and promoted it under the geographical identity “Khewra Pink Rock Salt” to reinforce its origin-based identity.

Pakistan registered Khewra Pink Rock Salt as a Geographical Indication (GI) on July 18, 2022. The GI currently has 17 authorised users.

The government has also initiated efforts to secure international registration of the pink salt GI to strengthen its recognition in overseas markets.

Dedicated HS code introduced

The government has also taken measures to improve the recording and regulation of pink salt exports.

Previously, no exclusive Harmonised System code existed for the product. The Ministry of Commerce therefore took up the matter with Pakistan Customs and the Federal Board of Revenue.

As a result, authorities assigned HS Code 2501.0021 specifically to pink salt to maintain a proper record of exports. The government adopted the change through the Finance Bill 2023-24.

Another measure involved introducing a minimum export price of $130 per metric tonne.

The measure aims to prevent under-invoicing of Pakistani pink salt at the export stage.

Pink salt promoted at global exhibitions

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has also promoted pink rock salt at major international exhibitions and trade platforms.

Pakistan made the product a central feature of its pavilion at World Expo 2025 Osaka under the theme “Universe in a Grain of Salt.”

The pavilion featured pink rock salt installations and information about the history of Pakistan’s salt industry. It also included a video on the Khewra Salt Mines, a digital interactive table and a Healing Garden.

The displays highlighted Pakistan’s cultural heritage, natural resources and economic potential.

TDAP has also supported the participation of Pakistani salt companies in FoodAg Karachi and major international exhibitions.

These include Gulfood in the UAE, Anuga in Germany, SIAL events in France, Canada and Malaysia, Foodex Japan and MIHAS in Malaysia.

The authority has also organised buyer-seller meetings and trade delegations. Other measures include product profiling, market intelligence and capacity-building programmes.

The government’s efforts focus on protecting the Pakistani identity of Khewra Pink Rock Salt, improving export documentation and pricing, and expanding its international promotion.

Long-term product-specific commercial branding, meanwhile, remains primarily the responsibility of private-sector authorised users.

Five social sector schemes completed in Malakand

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Five social sector schemes completed in Malakand

ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (ABC): Five social-sector schemes covering health, education, agriculture and veterinary services have been completed under the Saudi-funded Malakand Infrastructure Programme in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while work is progressing on a strategic 26-kilometre road in Chitral district.

According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) is financing the programme to develop and rehabilitate infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The five completed schemes include rehabilitation of the Agriculture Research Institute in Swat and construction of educational facilities for special children.

The programme has also completed the upgradation of a basic health unit to a Category-D hospital, construction of a thalassaemia department and rehabilitation of a veterinary research facility.

Agriculture, education schemes completed in Swat

The Agriculture Research Institute in Swat has achieved 100% physical progress. The scheme had an approved cost of Rs191.95 million, while expenditure reached Rs189.67 million.

Construction of a Special Children School and a Special Children Teacher Training School in Swat has also been completed.

The educational scheme carried an approved cost of Rs217.55 million. The documents show expenditure of Rs214.44 million.

The programme has also completed rehabilitation of the Veterinary Research Centre in Swat.

The scheme had an approved cost of Rs154.09 million, against which expenditure stood at Rs130.15 million.

Health facilities completed in Lower Dir, Malakand

In Lower Dir, authorities have completed the upgradation of the Basic Health Unit Hayasari to a Category-D hospital.

The project had an approved cost of Rs627.57 million, making it the largest of the five completed social-sector schemes. Expenditure reached Rs584.58 million.

Another healthcare intervention involved construction of a thalassaemia department at the District Headquarters Hospital in Batkhela, Malakand.

The facility has achieved 100% physical progress. Its approved cost stood at Rs144.35 million, while expenditure reached Rs135.64 million.

Consultancy services for the five social-sector schemes have also been completed.

The consultancy component had an approved cost of Rs58.89 million. Expenditure on the component stood at Rs55.79 million.

Work progresses on Chitral road

Apart from the completed social-sector schemes, the Malakand Infrastructure Programme includes construction of the 26-kilometre Arandu-Kalkatak/Lowari Road in Chitral district.

The road project has an approved cost of Rs2.906 billion. According to the documents, expenditure has so far reached Rs391.121 million.

The joint survey for the road has been completed, while cross-section plotting is underway.

Construction teams are also carrying out site and bed cutting. Procurement of construction materials and quarry testing are in progress.

The Saudi-funded programme combines investment in health, education, agriculture and veterinary services with improved road connectivity in the Malakand region.

Broken roads in Tump

Zahid Dilwash
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Broken roads in Tump

Roads are not merely strips of asphalt; they are lifelines connecting people with hospitals, schools, markets and economic opportunities. Unfortunately, the poor condition of roads in District Tump has become a serious obstacle to public safety, mobility and development.

Many roads in District Tump were constructed years ago and are now badly damaged. Some were apparently built without proper planning or quality materials. Consequently, broken surfaces, deep potholes and uneven sections make everyday travel difficult and dangerous.

During the rainy season, the situation becomes even worse. Water fills the potholes, while unpaved sections become muddy and difficult to cross. This increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly involving motorcycles and public transport vehicles.

Tump-Balicha road needs urgent repairs

The road from Tump to Balicha is among the clearest examples of neglect. It is full of potholes and causes serious difficulties for motorists, motorcyclists and public transport operators.

Similarly, the road from Balicha towards the Mand border is in extremely poor condition. Travelling on this route is uncomfortable in normal weather and potentially dangerous during rainfall. People may also struggle to reach their destinations on time because vehicles must travel slowly to avoid potholes and damaged sections.

These poor road conditions affect almost every section of society. Students, patients, farmers, traders and daily commuters all experience difficulties because of the damaged road network.

Patients and students face serious difficulties

Patients struggle to reach hospitals and healthcare centres, particularly during emergencies when every minute matters. A badly damaged road can turn a manageable medical emergency into a tragedy by delaying access to treatment.

Students also face considerable difficulties while travelling to schools and colleges. Their journeys become longer, more tiring and less safe. Transport breakdowns and interruptions can affect attendance and, ultimately, educational outcomes.

Moreover, damaged roads place an additional financial burden on families. Motorcycles, cars, buses and other vehicles require frequent repairs because of rough surfaces and deep potholes. For people with limited incomes, these expenses can be difficult to afford.

Poor roads affect farmers and traders

The condition of roads in District Tump also affects agriculture and local trade. Farmers cannot transport vegetables, fruits and other products to markets safely and on time.

Delays may cause fresh produce to deteriorate, reducing farmers’ earnings and increasing transportation costs. Therefore, poor roads do not cause inconvenience alone; they also restrict business activity and hold back the district’s economic potential.

The people of Tump are hardworking and deserve access to the same basic facilities available in other parts of the province. Better roads would improve access to education and healthcare while supporting agriculture, trade and employment.

Government must prepare a comprehensive plan

The Government of Balochistan and the relevant authorities should prepare a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of all major roads in District Tump. Particular attention should be given to the routes connecting Tump, Balicha and the Mand border.

However, reconstruction alone will not solve the problem. Contractors must use high-quality materials, while the authorities should closely monitor construction work. This would ensure that newly built roads remain usable for many years.

The government should also establish a regular inspection and maintenance system. Repairing minor damage promptly is easier and less costly than reconstructing an entire road after years of neglect.

Moreover, local residents should be given a platform to report damaged sections and dangerous potholes. Greater transparency regarding project budgets, contractors and completion deadlines would also improve accountability and public confidence.

Improving roads in District Tump could transform the lives of local people. Reliable roads would reduce travelling time, improve access to essential services, lower vehicle-repair costs and create new opportunities for farmers, traders and young people.

The provincial government and concerned officials must recognise the urgency of the situation and act without further delay. Improving the district’s roads is not a luxury; it is an essential investment in the safety, dignity and future of Tump’s people.

1,960MW hydropower capacity to be added in 2026-27

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1,960MW hydropower capacity to be added in 2026-27

ISLAMABAD, Aug 23 (ABC): Pakistan plans to add 1,960 megawatts of hydropower capacity during 2026-27, with three units of the Tarbela 5th Extension Project accounting for the bulk of the planned addition.

According to the power generation commissioning schedule for July 2026 to June 2027, available with Wealth Pakistan, five hydropower entries being developed or refurbished by the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) have a combined capacity of 1,960MW.

Hydropower represents about 51.8% of the total 3,787.24MW generation capacity listed in the commissioning schedule.

The largest contribution will come from the Tarbela 5th Extension Project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where three 510MW generating units are scheduled to become operational during 2026.

Tarbela to add 1,530MW

WAPDA plans to commission the first 510MW Tarbela unit in September 2026. The second unit is scheduled to follow in November and the third in December.

Together, the three units will add 1,530MW of hydropower capacity.

The Tarbela units account for about 78% of the total hydropower capacity covered by the schedule. They also represent more than 40% of the programme’s overall 3,787.24MW capacity.

The commissioning timetable places most of the planned hydropower addition in the first half of fiscal year 2026-27. All three Tarbela units are scheduled to become operational by December 2026.

Dasu unit scheduled for May 2027

Another major hydropower addition will come from the Dasu Hydropower Project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the schedule, WAPDA plans to commission the project’s first 360MW unit in May 2027.

The Dasu unit represents about 18.4% of the 1,960MW hydropower capacity covered by the commissioning programme.

Tarbela and Dasu together account for 1,890MW of the planned hydropower addition.

The remaining 70MW will come from the refurbishment of Units 9 and 10 at Mangla in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The schedule places their commissioning in June 2027.

Hydropower leads commissioning schedule

Apart from hydropower, the generation schedule includes 301.9MW under the photovoltaic market and 49.2MW under the wind market. Both have commercial operation dates of July 2026.

The schedule also includes 1,476.14MW of net-metering solar capacity under power distribution companies.

Hydropower remains the largest generation source covered by the schedule. Its planned 1,960MW capacity accounts for more than half of the total generation capacity listed for commissioning during the period.

The three Tarbela units alone account for the majority of the planned hydel capacity, followed by the first Dasu unit and the refurbished Mangla units.

If the projects proceed according to the stated commissioning timetable, Pakistan will bring 1,960MW of hydropower capacity into operation through new generation and refurbishment by June 2027.

$100m project to improve access to KP’s key tourist destinations

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$100m project to improve access to KP’s key tourist destinations

ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (ABC): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is implementing a $100 million World Bank-supported project to improve tourism infrastructure and access to key tourist destinations across the province.

According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project (KITE) also aims to strengthen institutional capacity for sustainable tourism development.

The International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s development financing arm, is supporting the project.

The Project Management Unit of the Communication and Works Department and project management units of the Department of Tourism are executing the project.

Financing increased to $100 million

The KITE project originally carried financing of $70 million, equivalent to Rs14 billion.

The financing was subsequently increased by $30 million, taking total IDA financing to $100 million. The documents put the revised rupee value at Rs24.304 billion.

In addition, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has committed Rs3 billion for land acquisition under the project.

The increased financing will support the project’s objectives of improving tourism infrastructure and making key tourist destinations more accessible.

Project to support sustainable tourism

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the revised project on May 14, 2025.

The project is scheduled to close on April 30, 2027.

KITE focuses on improving tourism infrastructure while strengthening the institutional framework needed to support sustainable tourism development across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Improved accessibility to tourist destinations forms a key part of the project, alongside institutional capacity building in the tourism sector.

The project combines $100 million in IDA financing with the provincial government’s Rs3 billion commitment for land acquisition.

Through these investments, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government aims to improve access to key tourist destinations and strengthen the infrastructure and institutional capacity needed for sustainable growth of the province’s tourism sector.

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