SHANGLA: The landowners on Monday called off their protest and conditionally allowed the pre-commissioning testing of the 11.8MW Karora hydropower project after the district administration assured them of providing subsidised electricity from the hydel station.

The decision was made during a jirga chaired by deputy commissioner Mohammad Fawad Khan.

The jirga, held to address the concerns of the local community, was attended by the officials of the district administration, Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organisation, elders, public representatives and other stakeholders.

The primary objective of the jirga was to engage directly with the affected communities, hear their grievances, and find a solution to the issues arising from the implementation of the project.

Mr Fawad assured the participants that all legitimate demands of the affected people would be addressed on a priority basis. He emphasised that public consultation would be ensured at every stage of the project and that the administration was committed to transparency and mutual trust in taking the project forward.

He also called for further activation of the already established joint committee to strengthen communication and coordination among the district administration, Pedo, and public representatives.

Acknowledging the administration’s assurances, the local elders and public representatives appreciated the initiative and announced their decision to allow the project’s pre-commissioning testing and officially end their protest.

The jirga is being widely seen as a positive step toward rebuilding trust and enhancing community participation in the district’s development processes.

This development is expected to pave the way for the timely completion of the hydropower project, which is anticipated to contribute significantly to the region’s energy and infrastructure development.

REFORMS APPROVED: The University of Shangla syndicate on Monday approved key reforms, academic expansion at graduate and undergraduate levels, adoption of HEC policies, establishment of faculties and diploma/certificate courses. The sixth syndicate meeting was held here chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof Sardar Khan.

The meeting approved the recommendations of the academic council, which included academic expansion at graduate and undergraduate levels, adoption of HEC policies, establishment of faculties and diploma/certificate courses.

The participants appreciated the proposal to introduce subjects as per the market needs.

The recommendations of the finance and planning committee, which included budget, fee structure, and creation of posts for faculty and non-faculty, were recommended for approval by the varsity’s senate.

Non-payment of salaries of employees and the service structure were also discussed.

Published in Dawn, July 15th, 2025