World Bank warns Pakistan against retaliation targeting complainants over Dasu project's potential social impacts

The World Bank has cautioned Pakistan against reprisals aimed at people who lodged a grievance with its Inspection Panel over possible harm from the Dasu Hydropower Project's Stage-I transmission line, according to Business Recorder. In a letter to Economic Affairs Secretary Muhammad Humair Karim, Country Director Bolormaa Amgaabazar stressed the need to shield complainants, affected residents and witnesses from pressure, intimidation or reprisal.

The complainants argue that the project, which has received extra World Bank funding for its transmission line, has harmed them or could do so, and say they were targeted for complaining. The Bank, however, said it could not verify these claims and saw no sign that any identifiable official or individual had carried out reprisals. It added that it does not accept retaliation against people raising concerns about projects it finances, and asked the government to remind implementing agencies and partners of their duty to protect complainants.

No formal investigation has been opened, and the Inspection Panel is still weighing whether the complaint is admissible. If accepted, the Panel would decide whether the concerns justify a full probe and pass its advice to the Bank's Board of Executive Directors, which has final say over any investigation. The complaint centres on extra financing for the transmission line and possible social effects on affected communities at the 4,320-megawatt Dasu project on the Indus River.