The Water and Power Development Authority on Mar 24 allocated over Rs94.2 million for 75 community-based girls’ schools in Diamer, in a fresh push to promote education, particularly for girls, under the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project.
The funding, approved under the Community-Based Accelerated Learning Schools (CBALS) programme, will support the operation of these schools for the next three years through a joint arrangement involving WAPDA, the Gilgit-Baltistan Education Department and the READ Foundation.
The initiative will enable around 2,250 out-of-school girls in Chilas, Tangir and Darel to access primary education. An additional Rs29.5 million has been earmarked for the rehabilitation of five government schools in Tangir and Darel. The plan also includes the upgradation of facilities, provision of furniture, stationery and other essential educational resources, as well as two coaster buses for student transport.
The rehabilitation initiative, proposed by the Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, will be implemented under the joint supervision of WAPDA, the GB Education Department and GB Scouts. WAPDA has already completed several education-focused initiatives in the project area, including the establishment of Cadet College Chilas at a cost of Rs2.1 billion.
The Thore Army Public School has also been set up at a cost of Rs22.6 million, while government schools in Tangir and Darel have been upgraded. More projects aimed at promoting education in the region are currently under approval and implementation. Overall, WAPDA is investing Rs78.5 billion in economic, social development and infrastructure in the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project area.
Earlier, WAPDA also initiated the refurbishment of the Mangla Hydel Power Station, aimed at boosting Pakistan’s clean energy capacity. The project involves upgrading existing power units without shutting down the entire station, allowing electricity generation to continue during the process.
It will increase the plant’s installed capacity from 1,000MW to 1,310MW and significantly raise annual energy output. The initiative is part of Wapda’s broader strategy to enhance hydropower generation, reduce reliance on costly and environmentally harmful thermal energy, and strengthen long-term energy security.
News Published in Express Tribune on March 24th, 2026
