In a notable advancement for Pakistan’s water and power sectors, the Tarbela Dam has reached its full capacity, with water levels hitting 1,550 feet. This is the second consecutive year that the dam has achieved this milestone, holding over 5.8 million acre-feet (MAF) of water.
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has announced that with the dam at its maximum capacity, it is no longer possible to store additional water.
Consequently, the spillway gates have been opened to manage the overflow. WAPDA is expected to release an official statement on the dam’s status later today.
This achievement is being celebrated as a significant success, particularly for Pakistan’s agricultural and energy sectors. The ample water storage will be crucial for irrigation, helping to ensure uninterrupted agricultural activities throughout the coming seasons.
Additionally, the dam’s hydroelectric power generation will continue to bolster the stability of the national power grid.
In contrast, Pakistan’s oil and gas production has experienced a notable decline over the past decade. This decline, attributed to political instability, security issues, and insufficient investment in exploration and development, has resulted in the failure to discover significant new reserves.
According to data from the Pakistan Petroleum Information Service (PPIS), crude oil production in the country has dropped sharply from 94,500 barrels per day in 2015 to just 70,500 barrels per day in 2024.
This represents a substantial decrease of 24,000 barrels per day over the past ten years, highlighting a critical gap between expected and actual growth in the oil and gas sector.
