THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer locals are once again protesting over what they feel is the denial of their rights due to the state’s failure to implement its end of the bargain in land acquisition deals made for the Diamer-Bhasha dam. What stands out about the latest round of protests is that it has been joined by religious scholars, tribal representatives, political and religious parties, and even youth organisations, scholars, lawyers, and civil society leaders. In other words, the issue seems to have united a wide section of society in a tribal region, where local matters are usually dominated by internecine conflicts.

The protesters’ demands include land settlement payments for around 18,000 acres of land that have been appropriated as ‘state property’ by Wapda for the dam, the release of a household support package to 2,500 families that have allegedly not yet received it, and replacement land for displaced families. The list of demands, in fact, is said to include 31 points. On the other hand, Wapda says it has already completed compensatory payments for 91pc of the land it has acquired, while the remaining is subject to legal proceedings. It has also clarified that compensation for affected buildings, markets, and other infrastructure was completed a decade ago, and that the household support package payments remain outstanding for only a few hundred more families, instead of the 2,500 claimed by locals. It has further pointed out that locals have not yet vacated businesses they had already been compensated for. This presents a tricky situation, where both sides seem to have good reasons to stand their ground. However, the dispute must not be allowed to escalate, and the federal government should move quickly. Local leaders, too, ought to demonstrate more flexibility. This is a project of national importance that cannot be subjected to narrow interests.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2025