Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a rapid conclusion to the investigation into the recent shutdown of the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project, calling for strict action against those responsible for its faults and malfunctions. During a meeting held in Islamabad on Sunday, the Prime Minister highlighted the project’s significant issues, including unaddressed design flaws and neglected geological surveys.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Prime Minister criticized the lack of concrete lining and third-party validation of the project, describing these oversights as “criminal negligence.” The meeting revealed that a pressure drop in the project’s tunnels on April 29 led to a reduction in power generation, culminating in a complete halt on May 2. These malfunctions have resulted in substantial financial losses. Former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan, head of the investigation committee, presented a preliminary report which also pointed to ignored issues during the PTI regime in 2021 that exacerbated the project’s problems. Additionally, the Prime Minister instructed the immediate formation of a committee to reactivate the project and prevent future losses.