MANSEHRA: The administration of Upper Kohistan district on Monday began the repair of roads and pedestrian bridges damaged by the recent flash floods in Kandia valley.

Upper Kohistan deputy commissioner Irfanullah Mehsud told reporters that the government had approved Rs5 billion for blacktopping the main artery that linked Kandia valley with the Karakoram Highway, and until that project was executed, flood-hit roads and pedestrian bridges totalling six were being repaired with the Wapda’s help to the relief of locals.

He said the government had yet to release Rs5 billion to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Highway Authority for blacktopping the Kandia Road, whose major portion was washed away due to the recent flooding of the adjoining river.

“I visited the valley and interacted with flood victims to know about their problems,” he said.

The DC said the people suffered due to poor infrastructure, which forced them to cover long distances on foot to get essential goods and avail themselves of basic facilities.

He said three girls, including two sisters, drowned in the river after a bridge collapsed.

Mr Mehsud said he had proposed changes to the road’s design to ensure the safety of its users during floods.

He said the artery has been destroyed by floods many times since 2010.

The DC said the provincial relief secretary was monitoring relief activities to prevent food shortages in the valley.

HONOURED: The International Association of Women Police has announced its Officer Award 2023 for Battagram district police officer Sonia Shamroz.

Ms Shamroz, who is the first woman district police officer in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, will receive the prestigious award during the Sept 17-22 IAWP Conference in New Zealand, according to a letter sent by the US Embassy in Islamabad to the KP inspector general of police’s office.

The letter said Ms Sonia was the first woman in Asia and second Muslim in the world to receive the award.

“This award is a testimonial to your [IGP’s] leadership and vision to encourage women officers to stand shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts,” it read.

Having served in Mansehra and other districts in KP, Ms Sonia was recently transferred from Chitral to Battagram as the DPO.

Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2023