WAPDA Chairman stands in solidarity with Chinese firm after terrorist attack at Dasu project
27 March 2024
In the aftermath of a tragic terrorist attack yesterday near Besham in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, claiming the lives of five Chinese nationals and a local worker en route to the Dasu Hydropower Project from Islamabad, Chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Engr Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd), visited the project site today to express solidarity with the Chinese engineers and workers.
Accompanied by China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Jiang Zaidong, Chairman Ghani spent time with the Chinese workforce at the project site, offering condolences on behalf of WAPDA over the loss of lives.
Speaking at the Construction Camp of China Gezhouba Group Company (CGGC), the contractor of the Dasu Hydropower Project, Chairman Ghani said: “Our sympathies are with the bereaved families in this time of trial. The law enforcement agencies are vehemently investigating the terrorist incident, and we hope the culprits found involved in it, will soon be brought to justice. WAPDA is in close coordination with the quarters concerned to further beef up the security arrangements in order to avoid such untoward incident in future.”.
Commending the contributions of Chinese firms in implementing crucial water and hydropower projects in Pakistan, Chairman WAPDA highlighted their role in providing essential resources for the country's economic stability and social development. He reaffirmed confidence in the enduring Pak-China friendship, stating: “We are confident that such cowardly attacks by the enemies of Pak-China friendship are undoubtedly bound to fail in derailing the mutual cooperation meant for stability and progress of Pakistan.”
In response to the attack, Eddie Rich, CEO of the International Hydropower Association (IHA), expressed dismay: “We express our dismay regarding the attack on the hydropower project in Pakistan. The worldwide hydropower community will want to join with IHA in offering our sympathies to those affected by this tragedy.
“The International Hydropower Association unequivocally denounces attacks against hydroelectric resources which are intended to deliver clean, dependable and cost-effective energy and access for all."
