ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar visited the Jagran-2 Hydropower Plant on Wednesday, currently under construction in the Neelum district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. This visit underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing the region’s energy infrastructure. During the visit, he expressed satisfaction with the project’s pace and committed to accelerating its completion.
The 50MW Jagran-2 project is progressing according to plan and is slated for completion by 2025, as per a press release. This ambitious project is expected to significantly boost the local power supply. During his visit, DPM Ishaq Dar was briefed on the various aspects of the project, including technical and logistical challenges. He was informed that the construction is on schedule and that the project will meet its targeted deadline.
Recognizing the strategic importance of the project, DPM Dar promised to address the project’s status at the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) to expedite necessary approvals. He highlighted the importance of such infrastructure projects in driving economic growth and stability in the region. By fast-tracking approvals, the government aims to ensure that the project progresses without unnecessary delays.
The Deputy Prime Minister interacted with both the Chinese engineers and the Pakistani team involved in the project. This collaboration between Pakistani and Chinese teams underscores the strong bilateral relationship and mutual commitment to infrastructure development. Conveying the best wishes of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Government of Pakistan, DPM Dar assured the engineers, technicians, and workers of the government’s full support and security to ensure the project’s timely completion. He emphasized that their efforts are crucial to the nation’s energy security and economic development.
DPM Dar emphasized the significant impact the Jagran-2 Hydropower Project will have on the region. He highlighted its potential to enhance electrical power generation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and provide substantial benefits to the local community. These benefits include increased employment opportunities, improved education, advancements in agriculture and industrial development, and a boost to tourism. The project is expected to create numerous job opportunities, both during the construction phase and after its completion. This will help reduce unemployment in the region and stimulate local economies.
Moreover, the hydropower plant will contribute to the education sector by providing better facilities and resources to local schools. The increased availability of power will also benefit agricultural activities, allowing for the use of modern farming equipment and techniques. Industrial development will be bolstered by a reliable power supply, attracting new businesses and fostering economic growth. Additionally, the project will enhance tourism by improving infrastructure and making the region more accessible to visitors.
In addition to his visit to Jagran-2, DPM Dar made an unannounced visit to the Jagran-1 Hydropower Plant, also located in the Neelum district. The 30.4MW Jagran-1 plant, operational since the tenure of former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif from 1997 to 1999, was initially conceived, approved, and financed when Senator Ishaq Dar served as the finance minister. DPM Dar expressed satisfaction with the plant’s smooth functioning, noting that it serves as a model for future projects. The success of Jagran-1 has provided valuable lessons and insights that will be applied to the development of Jagran-2.
The government’s proactive approach in supporting and developing such projects is indicative of its commitment to sustainable development and energy independence. By investing in hydropower, Pakistan is taking steps to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and promote cleaner, renewable energy sources. This not only helps in mitigating the impacts of climate change but also ensures a more secure and stable energy future for the country.
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