MANSEHRA: The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) is set to resume the laying of the 132KV transmission lines for the Dubair Khawar hydropower project.

“All hurdles to the smooth execution of Dasu hydropower project stand removed following the resolution of all issues of the communities in Kohistan region through a jirga,” Dasu hydropower project general manager Anwarul Haq told reporters in Dasu on Tuesday.

Mr Haq said the project would help develop the region the socioeconomically.

He said the jirga was attended by adviser to the prime minister Engineer Amir Muqam, Wapda chairman retired Lt-General Sajjad Ghani, commissioner of Hazara division Mutahir Zeb and elders from all three districts in Kohistan region.

The GM said under the agreement, the Wapda would set up a high school and vocational training centre each in three districts and will appoint residents to positions of lower grades in the hydropower project.

He said the families displaced by the Khayal Khawar project would be allotted plots in their areas. The Dasu power project being executed in Upper Kohistan will produce 2160MW electricity in first phase.

HRCP VISITS HOSPITAL: A delegation of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan on Tuesday visited the King Abdullah Teaching Hospital and asked patients about their care.

The visitors led by Manzoor Maseeh went to the intensive care unit, emergency ward and outpatient department to check equipment and services offered to patients.

Medical superintendent Dr Ahmad Faisal said the hospital catered to the needs of the local residents as well as those brought in from Battagram, Torghar, Upper and Lower Kohistan and Kolai-Palas districts.

Deputy MS Dr Amjad said the hospital was rebuilt by the Saudi government after dangerous cracks appeared in its building during the 2005 earthquake.

Published in Dawn, December 14th, 2022