ISLAMABAD — Pakistan on Wednesday kicked off construction work at the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project, the third-largest hydroelectric dam for generating electricity, in Chilas city in Gilgit-Baltistan in the north of the country.

While inspecting the construction work, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan said that his government will, in the future, build the largest dam in the history of Pakistan by exploiting the hydropower potentials that will suit the environment, to create job opportunities, revitalize the economy and boost tourism in the region.

He added that his country would stop importing mineral fuels and using coal to generate electricity, considering that the completion of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam would change the lives of the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The Pakistani premier was accompanied by the country’s army chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa and Federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda.

Later in the day, Lt. Gen. (retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa, who is the chairman of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, claimed on a social media post that the project will generate 4,500MW of hydel power and provide at least 16,000 jobs.

“Mobilisation for Diamer Bhasha: Historic milestone as PM kicks off mega construction work at Diamer Bhasha Dam today.6.4 MAF Water reservoir, will add 1.2 M acres for agriculture,4500 MW cheaper, greener Hydel power, steel/cement/construction boost,16000 jobs,” Lt. Gen. Bajwa, who is also special assistant to the PM on information, tweeted.

Meanwhile, India has raised objections to Pakistan and China continuing with their project of constructing the Diamer Bhasha Dam.

According to news reports citing official sources, the Indian government has said that "New Delhi’s position on any project in PoK remains unchanged. The entire territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral and inalienable part of India. India has always protested such activities in ‘Pakistan occupied Kashmir’ with both China and Pakistan." — Agencies