Foundation-laying of Diamer-Bhasha Dam: $12 billion project will be lifeline of economy, says Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday termed the $12 billion Diamer-Bhasha Dam project a 'life-line' for the national economy that would help meet that country's future agriculture and power requirements. He was addressing the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the world's highest concrete dam on River Indus that would generate 19 billion units of electricity annually and enhance the life of Tarbela dam by over 35 years.

The Prime Minister termed it a historic day and appreciated the people of Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and their political leadership for standing united to initiate the mega project. He said that the gigantic project would generate 4500 MW electricity and store over 8 million acre-feet of water to meet the country's growing …