ABBOTTABAD: A jirga was convened at the Commissioner’s House here to resolve the longstanding disputes hindering the 132kv transmission line to the Dasu hydropower project (DHPP).

The jirga was chaired by Hazara divisional commissioner Syed Fayyaz Ali Shah and organised by the Muttahida Kohistan Committee.

The jirga brought together key stakeholders, including members of the national and provincial assemblies from Kohistan, local elders, deputy commissioners from Upper and Lower Kohistan, and Kolai-Palas, along with the general manager of the Dasu hydropower project and his team, who presented a comprehensive briefing on the project’s status.

Commissioner Shah emphasised the importance of the transmission line to the timely completion of the Dasu Dam, warning that further delays could negatively impact national development and the country’s international credibility.

Commissioner stresses importance of transmission line for dam’s timely completion

He noted that while work had resumed after previous disruptions, sustained cooperation was essential to avoid further setbacks.

Providing an update on the Local Area Development Programme, part of the Dec 2022 agreement, the commissioner revealed that 50 per cent of the allocated funds had already been disbursed by Wapda to district accounts.

He directed Wapda to accelerate implementation of the approved LADP schemes to build the community’s trust. A structured review mechanism was announced for enhancement of oversight and ensuring accountability.

The deputy commissioners will now conduct bi-weekly progress meetings, while a monthly review, chaired by the commissioner, will involve representatives from all districts concerned.

Also, DCs were directed to publicly display project updates outside their offices for greater transparency.

In a show of unity, elected representatives and local elders unanimously pledged their support for uninterrupted execution of the transmission line.

The meeting concluded with prayers for the project’s success and a renewed commitment from all parties to work together for the timely and smooth completion of the Dasu hydropower project.

Commissioner Shah reiterated the shared responsibility for driving national progress through collaborative action.

Published in Dawn, May 28th, 2025