Farhan Qureshi 
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has ordered an inquiry into the delays in the implementation of a number of KP hydropower projects, highlighting the focus of the provincial government on improving electricity access in the areas still deprived of the facility. Provincial Minister for Energy and Power Nazir Ahmad Abbasi expressed serious displeasure over the slow pace and non-completion of projects being implemented in districts facing electricity shortages.
The minister directed the secretary of the Energy and Power Department and the chief executive officer of the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organisation (PEDO) to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a report within one week. The move is aimed at finding the reasons for delays and also to strengthen accountability across ongoing development schemes.
Kp Government Strengthens Monitoring Of Energy Projects
Nazir Ahmad Abbasi, while chairing a review meeting at the Energy Department, questioned the slow pace of work on the projects and complaints received from local communities. He also demanded explanations for implementation problems that have affected projects aimed at providing electricity to underserved districts.
The minister warned that, according to the law, action will be taken against negligent or corrupt officials. The tougher oversight approach is intended to make sure public development money delivers on its promises and that delays don’t go unchallenged.
The review also reviewed the performance of flagship development initiatives. With increased monitoring, provincial authorities can detect technical, administrative and financial bottlenecks at an earlier stage, potentially enabling corrective measures before delays become more costly.
Mini-Micro Hydel Projects Support Hundreds Of Local Communities
The scale of the renewable energy initiative across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is evident as the provincial government has already completed 316 projects under the mini-micro hydel station program. Out of the damaged schemes, 58 have been reported to be completed under the rehabilitation program, and work is ongoing on the remaining 17 projects, which are expected to be completed in the second year of the rehabilitation effort.
The community-based program is estimated to cost about PKR 6 billion and will produce a combined 29 megawatts of electricity. Dozens of projects were damaged, adding financial and operational pressure and making rehabilitation a key component of the province’s broader energy strategy.
The minister also sought an explanation regarding an estimated loss of around PKR 1.5 billion due to faulty designs of projects during the floods. The inquiry could therefore provide an opportunity to revisit design standards and build resilience within future infrastructure schemes.
For hydropower projects in mountainous regions and flood-prone areas, construction will continue to be important for resilience to climate change. Better planning, engineering assessments and proper site selection can help reduce future damage and protect public investment.
Solar Mini-Grids Broaden Renewable Energy Access In KP
Along with the hydropower program, 13 solar mini-grid stations of solar energy in the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have reached the completion stage. The projects are likely to be inaugurated next month and are aimed at providing low-cost and environmentally friendly electricity for domestic and commercial use.
Another aspect of the province’s renewable energy strategy is the growth of solar mini-grids. In communities where terrain, grid connection or seasonal conditions make conventional electricity infrastructure harder to deploy, solar generation can complement hydropower.
Small hydropower and solar generation can synergise to improve local energy resilience. Distributed renewable systems could also foster economic activity by providing the power for shops, small businesses and other productive uses in places where energy access needs to be improved.
KP To Look For New People-Friendly Energy Projects
Nazir Ahmad Abbasi also asked the Energy Department to conduct surveys across Hazara and Malakand divisions under public welfare programs. The surveys are intended to identify appropriate sites for new people-friendly development projects.
Site identification is especially critical to small renewable energy projects, as local geography, water availability, population needs and existing infrastructure can determine whether or not a project is viable. Detailed surveys can help ensure that future projects are based on real community needs.
Hydel Program Enters Second Phase With Sustained Investment
The second phase of the program is also implementing 71 mini-micro hydel projects. The expansion shows that the provincial government still considers small-scale renewable generation as an important instrument to improve electricity availability across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The second phase can learn from the lessons of previous projects, especially on quality of construction, location, flood resistance and community engagement. Tighter checks at every stage can help to prevent delays and reduce the risk of financial losses in the future.
Locally generated electricity can bring other benefits to communities outside the major centres, besides powering household lights. Energy access is a crucial part of broader development, as reliable power can underpin education, healthcare facilities, agriculture, small businesses and local commercial activity.
KP Energy Reforms For Better Service Delivery
The investigation of delayed schemes is in line with the provincial government’s focus on completion of development schemes instead of letting problems in implementation linger on. Public complaints have become an important part of the review process, giving officials a sense of the practical impact of delays in infrastructure.
Better accountability creates trust in public development programs. Clear project timelines, regular technical reviews and stronger monitoring can help to make sure that renewable energy schemes deliver their intended social and economic benefits.
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