Islamabad: Pakistan is embarking on an ambitious dam construction program and opening offshore oil and gas blocks for bidding, the National Assembly was informed. The federal government is backing 18 dam schemes costing Rs. 1,036.069 billion, aiming to boost water storage by 8,231,984 acre-feet and irrigate 346,447 acres of land. The centerpiece, Diamer Basha Dam, will hold 6.4 million acre-feet alone. Provincial administrations are additionally supporting 77 dam initiatives worth Rs. 89.243 billion.
Bidding for 40 offshore oil and gas blocks is ongoing, with completion expected by October’s end. International players, including Turkiye, China, Kuwait, and the US, have shown interest. This follows the awarding of 13 onshore blocks in April, with 23 more in the pipeline. Exploration of tight and shale oil and gas resources is also being pursued.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi outlined enhancements to the nation’s rail network. A feasibility assessment for a Kohat-Thal-Kharlachi line to Afghanistan is finished, and land procurement is in progress. Similar studies for a Gwadar-Nokkundi route are nearing completion. Land acquisition for Gwadar-Mastung and Besima-Jacobabad connections is underway, and station upgrades are planned. Two hundred freight wagons will be outsourced to meet industrial and energy sector needs.
A private company has received the nation’s first ferry service license, operating between Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Gwadar, and destinations in Iran, Iraq, and Abu Dhabi, with further licenses available.
Aseefa Bhutto Zardari raised concerns about the Utility Stores Corporation’s closure, urging reconsideration.
The Assembly passed resolutions celebrating Independence Day and the Marka-e-Haq victory, reaffirming commitment to national sovereignty and peaceful relations with neighbors. Another resolution called for immediate action to curb population growth by enhancing reproductive healthcare, particularly in rural areas.
The Anti-terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was approved, empowering Law Enforcement Agencies and enabling Joint Interrogation Teams (JITs). The National School of Public Policy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Petroleum (Amendment) Bill, 2025, were also passed.