SWAT: The local elders on Saturday opposed the proposed route of the Swat Expressway’s Phase II saying it will destroy vast agricultural lands, orchards and buildings here.

They gathered a meeting organised by the Swat Qaumi Jirga in Mingora here with Abdul Qahar Khan in the chair.

Noted among participants were Sher Bahadar Khan, Ahmad Shah Khan, Umar Ali Shah, Wakeel Ahmad Wakleel, Shamshir Ali Khan, Abdul Khaliq, Abdul Rehman Khan, Fatehullah Khan, Zahir Shah Khan, Rehmat Ali Khan and Khursheed Kakaji.

The participants discussed the proposed design and route of the Swat Expressway’s Phase II and complained that the government was adamantly favouring it though the route would destroy vast agricultural lands, orchards and buildings owned by the people.

Elders threaten resistance

They said they’re not opposed to the development of Swat and instead, they wanted Phase II of the expressway to be completed after changes to its route.

The elders said initially, the route was proposed along the Swat River, which was the most suitable option available, but the government opposed it claiming it would badly affect the beauty of Swat and livelihood of many families.

They said the project went against the Land Acquisition Rules, 2020, Agriculture Land Protection Act, 2021, Environmental Protection Act and National Climate Change Policy, 2012, so the government should carry out Phase II of the Swat Expressway along the banks of the Swat River to address the misery of thousands of families.

The participants accused the provincial government, especially the chief minister, of backtracking on commitments made to the project-hit people.

They warned that if their demands weren’t met, the residents would resist the project.

The participants formed a five-member committee to lead the struggle against bids to deprive Swat and Malakand division of the Pata status.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2022