LOWER DIR: Local formers heaved a sigh of relief when water was released into the Balambat irrigation channel here on Thursday after three years.

The irrigation channel had been closed for the last three years owing to repair and construction work. The release of water into the channel is expected to improve irrigation of crops and orchards besides replenishing dried-up springs and wells.

Shahid Ali Khan, the executive engineer of irrigation department, said that water was released into the canal from Kunai Khwar on emergency basis to serve public interest. “This will not only ensure irrigation of thousands of acres of farmland but will also help to alleviate the region’s drinking water shortage by refilling wells and natural springs,” he added.

He said that construction work faced delays due to a blockage near Akhagram Head, caused by floodwater. He said that the remaining work would be completed as soon as weather conditions become favourable. Once the final phase of the project is completed, water from the Panjkora River will be released into the channel, further enhancing irrigation facilities and benefiting thousands of farmers in the region.

Rehabilitation of the canal under way for last three years

Mr Khan said that the Balambat irrigation channel spanning 76 kilometres had the capacity to irrigate approximately 11,363 acres of farmland.

Locals and farmers have said that revival of the irrigation system will lead to a prosperous agricultural season. The rehabilitation of the channel is being regarded as a milestone for agriculture and water management in the region.

JI: Jamaat-i-Islami provincial chief Inayatullah Khan told a press conference at Chakdara Press Club here on Thursday that worsening law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was alarming.

He said that ensuring law and order was the responsibility of provincial government. JI provincial deputy chief Bakhtiar Maani, former MPA Mohammad Amin, JI provincial general secretary Haleem Bacha, former MNA Sahibzada Mohammad Yaqoob Khan, former provincial minister Shah Raz Khan and provincial information secretary Engineer Yaqoobur Rehman were also present at the press conference.

Mr Inayat said that it was deeply concerning that neither hujras nor mosques were safe anymore. “Raising voices against this situation is a moral, political and religious duty,” he added.

About imposition of tax in Malakand division, he said that preparations for imposing taxes in the region were under way with tax offices being established. He said that tax exemption for Malakand division was set to expire on June 30. He said JI would not allow its implementation under any circumstances.

He said that JI had formed a committee under the leadership of Shah Raz Khan to resist imposition of tax in Malakand. He said that JI had planned to unite political leaders and convey their collective stance to parliament.

He said that JI would convene a stakeholders’ conference after Eid in Malakand division, inviting lawyers, traders, journalists and skilled professionals to discuss the issue.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2025