The Kalabagh Dam, proposed on the Indus River, has long been one of Pakistan’s most divisive projects. While its supporters claim it would address water shortages and generate thousands of megawatts of electricity, experts and three provinces — Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan — oppose it due to serious flaws. The dam’s poor design means rapid silting, backwater flooding in Peshawar Valley, limited power output (closer to 350 MW instead of the promised 2,400–3,600 MW), and risks from earthquakes since it lies on a fault line. It would also displace around 250,000 people and submerge fertile land, further fueling provincial mistrust. In contrast, the Katzarah Dam near Skardu is considered a viable alternative, with far greater storage (35 MAF), higher power generation (15,000 MW), longer lifespan (~1000 years), lower cost, and fewer social risks. Experts argue that Pakistan’s future lies in projects like Katzarah that unite provinces and deliver lasting benefits, rather than in the controversial Kalabagh Dam.
