MANSEHRA: The Torghar district development advisory committee has approved the construction of the Balkot-Nusratkhel Road at the cost of over Rs1.4 billion.

“As part of plans to develop the region, we (government) are ensuring the provision of healthcare, education, road and other facilities to the residents,” committee chairman and MPA Laiq Mohammad Khan told reporters after a meeting in Judbah area here the other day.

The meeting was attended among others by deputy commissioner Arshad Mansoor and heads of the relevant departments.

Mr Laiq of the ANP said the blacktopping of Darband-Judbah Road would begin soon to link Torghar with Mansehra district, while the construction of Munjakot Road was also approved at the cost of Rs210 million.

“I am in contact with Chief Minister Mahmood Khan for the release of development funds for the Barando hydropower project on the Indus in the district. The project will not only meet the district’s electricity needs but also create employment opportunities for residents,” he said.

MPA says in contact with CM for power project funds

The lawmaker said the committee also approved the electric supply for various villages.

CHILD KILLED: The Oghi police arrested a woman here the other day for killing her minor son in Barian Shungli village of Oghi area.

Gulbano’s father Zahid Khan and brother Abdul Qadir were also held as the 12-year-old’s father, Gul Raheem, named them in the murder complaint as accomplices.

The woman had moved a local court for the dissolution of marriage six months ago.

Mr Raheem told police that his wife and her father and brother had threatened many times to kill his son by hanging and did so at their house.

In another incident, a boy died of critical injuries after falling from the rooftop of his house under construction here.

Meanwhile, the Oghi Tehsil Municipal Administration seized dozens of handcarts and destroyed structures put up on encroached land.

The handcarts and encroachments were removed from Toheed Road, Shergar Road and adjoining bazaars.

The officials warned that if traders didn’t remove illegal buildings voluntarily, they would be demolished.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2020