TLDR:
AI sources prompt costly report dismissal
Experts disagree on reconstruction costs
Accountability delay over tunnel collapse
ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — The Pakistani government has dismissed a Rs100 million (US$360,000) report on the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project tunnel collapse, alleging the findings were accessible on an AI tool, ChatGPT. During a high-stakes meeting led by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, the project’s recurrent failures were probed, exposing significant oversights and persistent structural challenges in the multi-billion rupee project, and raising questions over responsible accountability.
Minister critiques high-cost report accessed via AI
During an official meeting, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal reviewed the findings and unexpectedly verified that similar recommendations were accessible for free on the AI tool ChatGPT. This discovery led Iqbal to question the utility of an expensive report, particularly as it failed to offer solutions beyond those commonly cited.
The incident has highlighted pressing concerns within Pakistan’s hydropower project management. The report presented to the government offered two main recommendations: either an overhaul of the tunnel with costs estimated between Rs250 billion to Rs300 billion or a less extensive repair for around Rs20 billion, expected to last for only six years. However, Iqbal rejected both options, insisting on a fresh, independent review.
Persistent challenges in ensuring project longevity
The ongoing structural issues in the Neelum-Jhelum tunnel trace back to flawed engineering methods and accelerated timelines, which experts attribute to political pressures. This “rush-job” approach has exposed the project to extensive damage over time, leading to recurring closures and raising long-term viability concerns. Furthermore, the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has faced scrutiny for its role, as critics suggest the department failed to provide adequate ground support and disregarded early signs of structural instability.
An International Panel of Experts (IPOE) was previously commissioned to investigate these failings, revealing a range of engineering oversights, including improper concrete lining and limited ventilation. These findings were compounded by the presence of challenging rock conditions beneath the Jhelum River crossing, which exacerbated tunnel instability.
Push for transparency amid bureaucratic delays
A pointed issue emerging from the meeting was WAPDA’s request for unrestricted authority to continue with civil works, an ask the planning minister refused, citing the need for well-documented and transparent action plans. Although the minister suggested further collaboration with independent experts, disagreements over accountability persist, as officials struggle to assign direct responsibility.
In recent months, Pakistan’s hydropower ambitions have faced challenges on multiple fronts, and the Neelum-Jhelum project’s complications illustrate broader systemic issues. Attendees at the meeting underscored the need for WAPDA and the Ministry of Water Resources to align on a cohesive strategy that addresses not only immediate repairs but the project’s long-term viability.