Pakistan’s major water infrastructure projects are facing severe delays due to a shortage of development funds and rapidly increasing costs, according to official documents from the Ministry of Water Resources.
The documents reveal that several critical projects, including the Diamer Bhasha, Dasu, and Mohmand dams, may take decades — and in some cases centuries — to complete under the current funding pattern.
Major dams facing long delays
According to the official figures, the Dasu Hydropower Project could take around 65 years to complete if funding continues at the current pace.
The total estimated cost of the project has reached Rs1,737 billion, while Rs145 billion is required in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget to maintain progress on construction.
Similarly, the Diamer-Bhasha Dam may require 46 years for completion based on the current funding ratio.
The total cost of the mega dam project has crossed Rs1,049 billion, with a proposed allocation of Rs93.77 billion for the next fiscal year.
Mohmand Dam and other projects also hit
The documents further state that the Mohmand Dam would need approximately 14 years for completion under existing financial conditions.
The total estimated cost of the project exceeds Rs337 billion, while Rs58 billion has been proposed for allocation in the upcoming budget.
Officials said rising construction costs and insufficient development funding have become major hurdles for the timely completion of water and hydropower projects across the country.
K-4 and Canal projects
Pakistan’s canal and urban water supply projects are also experiencing significant delays.
According to the report, the Kachhi Canal Project may take 112 years to complete at the current pace of funding.
Meanwhile, Karachi’s K-IV Water Project is expected to take another 10 years for completion.
The K-4 project requires more than Rs31.75 billion in the next fiscal year’s budget, while its total estimated cost has exceeded Rs175 billion.
Centuries needed for some projects
The funding crisis has also impacted several smaller but important infrastructure schemes.
The documents reveal that the Naulong Dam could take 122 years to complete under current allocations.
Even more alarming figures were shared for the Chashma Right Bank Canal, which may require nearly 1,891 years for completion if funding levels remain unchanged.
Similarly, a flood protection plan worth Rs194 billion may take approximately 972 years to finish under the present financial structure.
