Islamabad: The government has decided to file a lawsuit against the consultants of the Rs500 billion Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project due to repeated faults in the project. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has committed to making a final decision after consultations with key stakeholders. A special committee formed to look into the issue has highlighted the consultants’ negligence and recommended legal action.
The 969 MW Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project, which was launched with high expectations, has been out of operation since May 2024. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal chaired a meeting where immediate measures for the rehabilitation and operationalization of the project were discussed. Legal matters were also addressed to ensure accountability for those responsible for the faults.
The committee, formed under the Ministry of Water and Power Development, has pointed out that mismanagement in the project’s execution has hindered the country’s access to cheaper, environmentally friendly electricity. The government committee has decided to seek the assistance of international experts to avoid any international complications.
