Both sides discussed matters relating to the projects being implemented by WAPDA in water and hydropower sectors. The ADB Country Director Werner E. Liepach and WAPDA Member (Power) Muhammad Qasim Khan were also present.

Giving a run down of the on-going and future schemes, the chairman said the WAPDA, in view of increasing needs of electricity and water in the country, was working on over 20 large and medium-sized projects with cumulative power generation capacity of more than 20,000 MW and water storage capacity of about 12 million acre feet (MAF).

WAPDA plans to add 6,000 MW low-cost hydel electricity within next five years, and another 14,000 MW by the year 2020, he added.

Raghib Shah said in addition to utilising local financial resources, the investment and the assistance by various international financial institutions was also of immense importance in implementation of these projects.

The ADB delegation said the bank had been supportive of the projects in water and power sectors in Pakistan, adding that they would continue their cooperation to the Government of Pakistan and WAPDA for the future projects as well.