LOWER DIR: On the directives of caretaker minister for communication and works Mohammad Ali Shah, department’s secretary Imtiaz Hussain Shah visited the damaged bridge in Chakdara here on Wednesday.

He examined the damaged portion of the bridge, which links Thana Malakand with University of Malakand, and said legal action would be taken against the contractor for using substandard material.

The bridge over the River Swat was closed to traffic eight months ago when one of its pillars caved in and large cracks appeared in its beams.

The students of University of Malakand from Thana, Batkhela and Swat use the bridge to reach the varsity. They have demanded early rehabilitation of the bridge.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s Adenzai executive committee chairman Eng Faizullah Khan had also contacted the communication and works minister, informing him about the miseries faced by residents due to closure of the bridge.

The C&W secretary assured PML-N local leadership that rehabilitation work on the bridge would start soon.

Meanwhile, Lower Dir deputy commissioner Iftikhar Ahmad along with other officials visited the under-construction Sanam Dam in Asbanr area and checked the work progress on it.

He was informed by the relevant officials that work on the project would be completed within stipulated time.

Mr Ahmad also visited the under-construction Chakdara family park and sports’ ground and expressed satisfaction on pace of work.

He also directed Adenzai assistant commissioner to ensure that no construction was carried out within 20 feet on both sides of the Chakdara Bypass Road.

CHEQUE: Additional IGP Hameedullah Khan and district police officer Tariq Iqbal on Wednesday handed over a cheque of Rs50,000 to heirs of martyred policeman Bakht Zamin of Ouch area.

The police officers said all available resources would be utilised for welfare of the martyrs’ children. They said the martyred policemen were the pride of the department.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2023