ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a cabinet committee on Thursday to probe a technical fault in the 969MW Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project, which was shut down earlier this month after a problem was detected in its head race tunnel.

Located on River Neelum in Azad Kashmir, the project generates 5.15 billion units of power annually but has faced several problems over the years. The project first shut down in 2022 after a fault was detected in its head race tunnel but was later restored after a year in September 2023. The same problem was detected in April 2024 and power generation was suspended again earlier this month. 

Sharif called for an urgent probe into the matter when he visited the project site during his day-long visit to Azad Kashmir, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said. 

The prime minister expressed his displeasure that the inquiry’s findings were still not finalized, directing officials to submit a report on the matter within days and restore power generation after repair work was done as early as possible.

“I am very much clear. I need a thorough probe into whether lapses were in the design or in the construction and the responsibility should be fixed,” Sharif was quoted as saying by the PMO.

“No more delays will be acceptable.”

Sharif lamented that $5 billion was spent on the project despite its initial cost being estimated at $40 million, adding that it was unfortunate that the project was still facing technical issues. 

The prime minister described the Neelum-Jhelum project as one of “national significance” in the power sector, saying it was constructed at a huge cost and must remain functional for decades.

He directed that the inquiry must be carried out by third-party experts and not by the designer or contractor of the project.

“If a mistake has been made and someone has committed an excess, then they will have to pay the fine,” Sharif said. “This is the trust of the nation, we will have to answer to them.”

ISLAMABAD: England’s famous Edgbaston Stadium will transform into a “huge Fan Park” on June 9 where thousands of spectators from India and Pakistan will watch their teams battle it out in New York in a T20 World Cup clash, the Warwickshire County Club said this week. 

The June 9 T20 World Cup clash in New York between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is one of the most anticipated cricket matches this year. Millions are expected to tune in worldwide to watch one of the sports’ fiercest rivalries take centerstage in New York. 

The Edgbaston Stadium, one of the leading venues in world cricket, has been the home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club since 1885. For over 100 years, it has hosted first-class and international cricket in Birmingham. 

Warwickshire County Club announced on Wednesday that over 8,000 fans are expected to gather at the Edgbaston Stadium to catch the action live on a giant screen. 

“For the first time ever the ICC are giving UK fans an opportunity to watch it live from Edgbaston Stadium where the piazza will be turned into a family festival of cricket,” Warwickshire County Club said in a press release. 

“Fans will be able to watch the action on a big screen and enjoy the build-up as comedian and cricket commentator Aatif Nawaz takes to the stage alongside former India and Pakistan players.”

Edgbaston Chief Executive Stuart Cain said the stadium was the only venue in England chosen by the ICC as a T20 World Cup fan zone, terming the development as “amazing.”

“It’s an opportunity for our local communities to really feel part of the T20 World Cup experience and I’m sure it will be a fantastic occasion,” Cain said.

“Pakistan and India fans generated an electric atmosphere here in the 2019 Cricket World Cup and I’ve no doubt we can get close to replicating that in the Fan Zone.”

Apart from watching the match on the large screen with live commentary, fans will also be able to access a large family picnic area with activities including cricket skill challenges and cultural performances from both Indian and Pakistan communities, the press release said. 

“Fan parks are an important part of bringing World Cups to more people across the globe,” ICC’s Head of Events Chris Tetley said. 

“I am sure there will be a great atmosphere on the day and based on previous India and Pakistan matches that have taken place at Edgbaston it will be an occasion not to be missed.”

Gates are scheduled to open for fans at 1:00 p.m. GMT before the live feed of the match starts at 3:0 p.m. GMT.

Fans can buy tickets at t20worldcupfanpark.edgbaston.com.