The Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources on Wednesday voiced serious concerns over Water and Power Development Authority’s (WAPDA) handling of decades-old court cases, unresolved land controversies involving trillions of rupees, and the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project’s closure.
Chaired by Senator Shahadat Awan, the committee scrutinized WAPDA’s audit compliance reports. Senators Quratul Ain Marri, Faisal Salem Rahman, Dr. Humayun Mohmand, Saeed Ahmed Hashmi, and Saadia Abbasi, along with WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Saeed, the Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, and other high-ranking officers were present.
Senator Awan censured WAPDA for neglecting lawsuits for over two decades. He pointed out that unresolved court cases, mostly related to Mangla Dam land, amount to over Rs. 298 billion. He also noted that the entity occupies Rs. 10 billion worth of land without settlement.
The chairman also highlighted the controversial Rs. 30 billion contract for Nai Gaj Dam, currently under investigation by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), and instructed the WAPDA chief to arrange meetings and submit a progress report to the committee.
Other committee members shared similar frustrations. Senator Faisal Rahman questioned the effectiveness of WAPDA’s legal counsel, expressing doubt about their efforts in resolving prolonged disputes.
Lt Gen (retd) Muhammad Saeed, who assumed his role ten days prior, stated he had already conducted three meetings to address the backlog. He admitted that WAPDA’s records are not digitized, creating complications, but confirmed digitization is in progress. He also clarified that Mangla Dam affectees had received compensation and are now pursuing further action through legal channels.
Officials informed the committee about six cases under NAB’s examination, including two each concerning Kachhi Canal and Nai Gaj Dam. The Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources explained that the investigations are focused on individuals, not WAPDA itself.
Unpersuaded, Senator Awan summoned NAB and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials to the next session, emphasizing the need for accountability. He emphasized the committee’s duty to inquire when a government body has taken responsibility.
The Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project’s closure following a head-race tunnel collapse was also discussed. Officials revealed that the project had previously encountered a tail-race tunnel collapse, which was fixed, allowing nine months of function before the new breakdown.
Senator Awan postponed a detailed discussion since the Prime Minister had already assembled a committee to investigate. The Senate body chose to await the inquiry’s outcomes.
The committee advised WAPDA’s legal division to collaborate with the Auditor General and Ministry of Law to settle audit issues from 2015-16. It also directed that complete information on all criminal and Public Accounts Committee (PAC)-related cases be submitted at the subsequent meeting.