MANSEHRA: People affected by Dasu Hydropower Project on Wednesday blocked the main road in Upper Kohistan to protest the delay in the reconstruction of a high school and non-fulfillment of other demands agreed upon with Wapda.

“We have forced Wapda to halt execution of the project until our demands are met,” Maulana Waliullah Tohidee, a leader of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl, told protesters gathered at the site of the demolished building of the government high school in Suo area. The school was demolished after the land was acquired for the project, but it has yet to be reconstructed at an alternative location.

They raised slogans in favour of their demands and against Wapda and the government.

“More than 950 students were enrolled in the school when it was demolished, but they are still without a new building,” Mr Tohidee said.

He added that roads falling within the acquired land for the dam had not been re-carpeted, severely affecting the district’s communication system.

“The Wapda chairman had agreed to immediately rebuild schools, roads, health facilities, and water supply schemes, besides honouring other agreements signed at the time of the project’s groundbreaking, but most promises remain unfulfilled,” he regretted.

The JUI-F leader further stated that local employees had yet to be regularised, while projects such as the Kamila water supply scheme and other development works were still incomplete.

Meanwhile, officials of the Upper Kohistan district administration, education and other departments, led by additional deputy commissioner Khurram Rehman Jadoon, held talks with the protest leaders and urged them to end the sit-in.

“Please give the district administration some time to take up your demands with Wapda and the relevant departments. I assure you that your concerns will be addressed,” said Mr Jadoon.

However, the protesters said they would decide whether or not to end their agitation after consultations.

Published in Dawn, January 8th, 2026