ISLAMABAD: A claim circulating in the media that Pakistan has cancelled the 4,500-megawatt power component of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project has been rejected by relevant authorities, who said there is no cancellation order, leaked government document or official decision supporting the claim.
A report published by Brief.pk claimed that the government had cancelled the power-generation component of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project. However, when contacted by our correspondent, relevant government departments said the claim was false.
Officials said there was “no leaked document, no cancellation order and no decision” regarding the cancellation of the project’s 4,500MW power component.
The authorities also clarified that the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) is mandated to facilitate and secure external financing for development projects. It does not have the authority to cancel power-generation projects.
What are the facts?
The 4,500MW generation component of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam remains a committed project and is included in Pakistan’s 2025–35 generation plan, according to the information provided by the relevant authorities.
The Power Division has also formally committed to integrating electricity generated by the project into the national grid. Such integration would require the necessary generation infrastructure to be developed.
This contradicts the claim that the power component has been cancelled.
The distinction is important because financing arrangements, project implementation and cancellation of a power-generation component involve different government institutions and processes.
Based on the responses obtained from the relevant authorities, there is currently no official evidence supporting the claim that Pakistan has cancelled the 4,500MW power-generation component of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project.
Verdict: False
The claim that the government has cancelled the 4,500MW power component of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam is false based on the information provided by the relevant authorities. No cancellation order, official decision or leaked government document confirming such a move was identified.
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