Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal chaired a high-level meeting in Gwadar to address the port city’s ongoing power shortages and clean water supply challenges. The discussion focused on the Gwadar Solar Plant and Water Supply Projects as potential solutions for residents who have long struggled with these essential services.
Senior officials attended the meeting, including Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, Secretary Power Division, CEO QESCO, Director General Gwadar Development Authority Moinur Rehman Khan, Chairman Gwadar Port Noorul Haq Baloch, and Deputy Commissioner Gwadar Hamoodur Rehman.
The meeting highlighted how electricity shortages have directly affected water distribution throughout Gwadar. Minister Iqbal directed officials to review plans for establishing a 170MW solar power plant in the city, emphasizing that renewable energy could provide sustainable solutions for both residential and industrial needs while reducing dependence on conventional power sources.
For immediate relief, authorities decided to prioritize supplying 2MW of electricity to keep water pumping systems operational. This measure aims to stabilize water supply operations and prevent shortages caused by frequent power outages.
Officials reported that water levels in the Shadi Kaur Dam have risen significantly following recent rainfall. Work to restore water supply from the dam to Gwadar is currently underway and should be completed within days. However, consistent electricity remains essential for effective distribution, making both short-term arrangements and long-term solar energy investment crucial.
Minister Iqbal stressed that Gwadar’s development depends on reliable utilities. The government plans to combine immediate measures with long-term strategies like the solar project to reduce daily hardships for citizens and support industrial growth in the port city. The meeting established a clear framework for improving infrastructure and ensuring sustainable living conditions for Gwadar’s residents.
