ISLAMABAD: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced on Thursday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted an inquiry commission to pursue legal action against those responsible for the collapse of the tunnel at the Rs500 billion Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project (NJHP).
Addressing a press conference, Iqbal said the commission—headed by retired Justice Tariq Abbasi—was formed based on the findings of two earlier investigative committees. The commission will hear from all parties involved before initiating legal proceedings.
According to the official notification, the commission’s terms of reference (ToRs) include recommending legal, administrative, and financial action against those found responsible. Accountability will be categorised under gross negligence, procedural misconduct, or potential criminal liability.
Calling the failure of the NJHP an “expensive and glaring mistake,” Iqbal noted that the restoration of the 969-megawatt plant—which has remained non-operational since May 2023—was still uncertain, as the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has yet to submit a PC-I for the revival.
Earlier in May, Water Resources Minister Muhammad Moeen informed the National Assembly that the restoration could take another two years. WAPDA had proposed two options: rebuild the tunnel at a cost of Rs250–300 billion or undertake repairs for around Rs20 billion.
To examine the structural issues in the project’s Head Race Tunnel (HRT), the government also engaged an international panel of experts (IPOE). The panel identified critical faults in the tunnel floor and provided recommendations to improve ventilation, lighting, and worker safety.
The federal cabinet approved the establishment of the inquiry commission in May under the Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Act, 2017. The commission, which includes members Shahid Khan and secretaries of the Establishment Division, Water Resources Division, and the Engineer-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army, is expected to submit its final report by August 20.
