KP strengthens energy sector with completion of 63MW hydropower projects

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is moving steadily towards self-sufficiency in the energy sector following the completion of three hydropower projects, according to the Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Information and Public Relations, Shafi Jan.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Shafi Jan said the provincial government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, had completed three major hydroelectric projects during the current year through the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization using provincial resources. He said the projects have a combined generation capacity of 63 megawatts and are expected to generate annual revenue of Rs 4.4 billion for the province.

The completed schemes include the 40.8 megawatt Koto Hydropower Project in Lower Dir, the 11.8 megawatt Karora Hydropower Project in Shangla, and the 10.2 megawatt Jabori Hydropower Project in Mansehra. Shafi Jan said work was also underway on a number of small-scale hydropower projects aimed at ensuring affordable and uninterrupted electricity for local communities.

He said the PTI-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was taking what he described as historic steps in the energy sector in line with the vision of party founder Imran Khan. He added that the provincial administration was focused on implementation rather than announcements, and claimed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was ahead of other provinces in governance and development initiatives.

The statement said the provincial government was also progressing on a 40-kilometre transmission line from Matiltan to Madin, which is intended to supply low-cost electricity to industrial zones and support economic growth in the region.

Addressing political issues, Shafi Jan defended the legitimacy of the PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying it was operating with a clear public mandate. He cautioned against any move by the federal government to impose Governor’s Rule, stating that such an action would not alter the fact that the provincial government had been elected by the people.

He also alleged that the federal government and the Punjab administration had obstructed Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s attempts to meet Imran Khan at Adiala Jail despite court orders. According to Shafi Jan, the chief minister had visited the jail on ten occasions but was denied access each time, which he described as undemocratic conduct driven by political motives.

Shafi Jan further criticised the use of water cannons against Imran Khan’s sisters, lawyers, and party leaders outside the jail, calling it a serious violation of human rights and an attempt to suppress political dissent through force.

He accused the federal PML-N government of undermining the electoral process through alleged rigging, claiming this had eroded public trust due to corruption and poor governance.

The statement reiterated the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s focus on energy independence and development, while highlighting ongoing tensions with federal authorities over political and constitutional matters.