ISLAMABAD: China is all set to help Pakistan clean its Tarbela Dam with a straw made from steel, Pakistani media reported on Tuesday.
The innovative move will see Beijing, Islamabad’s closest ally, use a 120-meter long steel rod to remove silt from the country’s largest reservoir.
According to Pakistan’s Water and Power Development Authority, Tarbela Dam is one of the world’s largest earth and rock-filled reservoir and the greatest project to develop water resources. It was completed in 1976 as part of the Indus Basin Project.
Last week, the adviser to the Ministry of Water Resources told the senate that the water storage capacity of the dam had reduced by 41 percent due to silting in the reservoir, adding that it was a natural phenomenon and thus unpreventable.
“However, the government has taken steps for the construction of the Diamer Basha Dam which will help reduce the inflow of silt into Tarbela Dam,” the statement released by the ministry read.
China to clean Pakistan’s biggest dam with 120meter long straw
China to clean Pakistan’s biggest dam with 120meter long straw
- Water storage capacity of Tarbela Dam impacted by silting in reservoir
- Tarbela Dam was constructed along the Indus River in 1976
Pakistan leaders wish Saudi King Salman well after hospital admission for tests
- Pakistani PM and President express concern, pray for the King's swift recovery
- The official Saudi media has not shared the nature of the King’s visit to the hospital
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s prime minister and president on Friday expressed concern over the health of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz, offering prayers and well wishes after state media said he had been admitted to hospital in Riyadh for medical examinations.
The Saudi Press Agency reported the King was undergoing medical tests at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, with no further information regarding the nature of the visit or his medical condition.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistanis held the Saudi King in high regard and were praying for his recovery.
“Deeply concerned by the news that Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is admitted in hospital for medical tests,” he said. “The people of Pakistan hold His Majesty in the highest esteem. We join our Saudi brothers and sisters in praying for His Majesty’s swift and complete recovery.”
President Asif Ali Zardari also conveyed his wishes, saying the entire Pakistani nation was praying for the Saudi King’s health and well-being, according to a statement issued by the presidency.
Pakistan has longstanding diplomatic and institutional ties with Saudi Arabia, and its leadership has consistently expressed deep respect for the Saudi royal family, particularly in view of the Kingdom’s religious significance and its role in the Muslim world.
