765kV Dasu Islamabad Project faces delay concerns ahead 2028 deadline

Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs has raised serious concerns over delays and reported irregularities in the 765kV Dasu Islamabad Transmission Line Project, warning that further delays could waste public money and jeopardize the timely completion of this major power project.

The committee was informed that the project is scheduled for completion by June 2028, but important technical and implementation work, including design and soil investigation processes, has already faced delays. Members questioned why essential surveys and other technical work had taken so long.

Meeting at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Saifullah Abro, the committee said significant time had already been lost and stressed that the project could not afford further setbacks.

Officials also informed the committee that irregularities had been pointed out during implementation. The committee called for the relevant reports and documents for further examination and stressed that responsibility should be determined through the proper process.

The National Grid Company told the committee that it met NHA officials on September 7, 2026 regarding no objection certificates and cooperation needed for road closures during construction work. Revised estimates for some sections were also shared with the contractor for payment processing.

The committee was further told that after a high level meeting on September 10, the Forest Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa agreed to issue forest clearances for tower foundations and access roads at 7 locations in Lower Kohistan and 16 locations in the Hazara Tribal, Battagram and Agor Tanawal Gujzara forest areas.

These latest developments mean forest clearances are being pursued at 23 locations. Officials also told the committee that clearances had already been issued for 6 towers in Abbottabad, 7 towers in Siren and 6 towers in Haripur designated forest areas.

The committee directed a fresh field visit to the relevant locations and called for a detailed report on the situation.

Members also raised concerns over pending payments linked to the project. The committee decided to invite the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives to its next meeting to help resolve the issue of payments to the Power Division and the executing agency.

The committee also directed the concerned departments to submit reports, official correspondence and project documents for further examination.

Senator Saifullah Abro stressed that foreign funded development projects must be completed efficiently because delays can increase costs, create implementation problems and affect future development financing.

The committee noted that such projects involve public resources and therefore require close monitoring, proper coordination and timely execution.

The committee directed the relevant authorities to speed up the remaining technical and administrative work and ensure that the 765kV Dasu Islamabad Transmission Line Project stays on track for its June 2028 completion target.