Security restrictions prevent World Bank inspection of KP hydropower projects

A World Bank mission could not inspect the Gabral-Kalam hydropower scheme or proposed investment locations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during a September 14-17 visit, according to Profit by Pakistan Today. In a letter dated October 14, the Bank said travel restrictions prevented fieldwork needed to assess the project’s restructuring, progress and possible use of savings.

The Bank’s June 12, 2026 restructuring removed the Madyan project, freeing about $147.3 million for other investments and contingencies. PEDO has put forward the Munda hydropower scheme and a Swat Valley transmission corridor, but the Bank said their viability and safeguards could not be fully reviewed without site visits. It also pressed authorities to approve the revised PC-I and raised concern over the unsigned electromechanical contract for Gabral-Kalam, warning that additional delays could affect delivery and raise costs.