MANSEHRA: A jirga jointly formed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan governments on Friday settled a decades-old boundary dispute between the two federating units.

The 24-strong jirga comprising elders and ulema from Kohistan and Diamer regions later witnessed the demarcation of the disputed land in Thor and Harban by revenue officials in line with its decree.

DCs Mohammad Asif of Upper Kohistan and Fayyaz Ahmad of Diamer were also present.

“The land demarcation as decided by the jirga has settled the old dispute between tribes of both sides once and for all,” Mr Asif told reporters.

Revenue officials demarcate land in presence of DCs, tribesmen

He said a case of both KP and GB governments about ownership of that territory was pending with the Supreme Court. The jirga had sprung into action after the families affected by Diamer-Basha dam in Harban area of Upper Kohistan blocked the Karakoram Highway earlier this week.

The dispute had led to an exchange of fire between the feuding tribes killing four people and injuring around a dozen in 2016.

DENGUE: Religious leaders, teachers, traders and local government representatives on Friday participated in a walk to create public awareness of ways to prevent dengue fever.

The Safada village council organised the walk, which began in Hudoo-Bandi area, passed through several areas and returned to Hudoo-Bandi area.

The participants held placards with messages for people to be vigilant to deal with the growing incidence of dengue fever.

Council chairman Basharat Ali Swati said dengue cases were on the rise, so the people should take precautionary measures against the mosquito-borne virus for their and their families’ protection.

“The people should cover water tanks, remove stagnant water and fill ditches and holes with sand and soil to prevent the outbreak of dengue fever. The health department, too, should hold awareness sessions for the people, including LG members, on dengue prevention and control,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2022