Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal chaired an important meeting in Quetta on Sunday to address the worsening power shortage and water supply issues in Gwadar, aiming to provide immediate relief for residents. The meeting emphasized the urgent need for quick action, as electricity shortages continue to disrupt daily life, especially affecting water pumping systems that supply the port city’s households and industries.
During the meeting, authorities decided to provide 2 megawatts of power immediately to ensure continuous water supply in Gwadar. This step was taken to prevent further problems for citizens who face difficulties in accessing clean water due to power cuts. The measure aims to stabilize essential water distribution systems until larger and long-term solutions are implemented.
Furthermore, the planning minister directed officials to thoroughly examine the establishment of a 170-megawatt solar power plant in Gwadar. This project, once approved, would provide sustainable and uninterrupted power for both domestic and industrial use. He stressed the importance of adopting renewable energy sources to reduce dependency on limited power connections and avoid repeated disruptions in future.
The minister highlighted that reliable power supply remains directly linked with solving the water crisis, as most pumping systems rely on electricity to function. Therefore, ensuring sufficient energy resources would not only improve living conditions but also support industrial activities in Gwadar. The meeting participants also discussed strategies to secure long-term investment in energy infrastructure.
Moreover, officials agreed that both short-term relief and long-term projects must move forward together to restore public trust and improve services in Gwadar. While the immediate provision of 2MW electricity will address current needs, the solar plant proposal reflects the government’s commitment to finding durable solutions. The plan, if executed, could transform Gwadar into a more stable and developed city.