Pakistan's Balakot hydropower project, a major project undertaken by China Gezhouba Group Company, has completed the river diversion and closure operation on Saturday, thus enabling the project to move into the main phase of dam construction. Located on the Kunar River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, about 220 kilometers from Islamabad, the project is the largest hydropower development program currently under construction in the region. With a total installed capacity of 300 megawatt, this project will generate around 1.14 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, meeting the energy needs of approximately 1.8 million people The project has already created over 2,000 local jobs, supporting Pakistan's energy, construction, and services sectors. The hydropower station will provide a stable and affordable power supply to the local area, boosting industrial productivity and promoting the development of local agriculture, manufacturing and service sector. It will contribute to the country's economic development and push forward the country's green and low-carbon transition, he said. The project's long-term operation will effectively reduce Pakistan's dependence on energy imports and enhance national energy security and economic stability, said Habibullah. Shotlist: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan - Oct 25, 2025: 1. Various of Balakot hydropower project under construction; 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Habibullah Shah, director, Balakot Hydropower Project (partially overlaid with shot 3): "Today's river diversion ceremony is a major milestone for the Balakot hydropower project. It is visible transition from early stage preparation to the core construction phase of this Balakot hydropower project. China has always remained a reliable and a time-tested friend of Pakistan. And their role here reflects a partnership that goes beyond the engineering. It is grounded in sustained cooperation and mutual trust."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 3. Balakot hydropower project under construction; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 4. Various of Balakot hydropower project under construction. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]