MANSEHRA: The Lower Kohistan Disaster Management Committee has directed the relevant quarters to ensure early payment of compensation to the families who lost their loved ones, houses and livestock during the recent flash floods in the district.

“A survey of the damage caused by floods has been completed, and the deserving families should get compensation early,” deputy commissioner Zuhaib Hayat, who heads the body, told a meeting the other day attended by officials of various departments.

He also praised the police, Rescue 1122 and other relevant departments for reaching out to affected communities and restoring traffic on the KKH.

He directed that the six compensation claims already approved by the committee be forwarded to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority for early release of compensation.

“One case is still pending with the committee, which should also be assessed and presented before the committee for approval,” Mr Hayat said.

Meanwhile, Upper Kohistan Deputy Commissioner Azizullah Jan directed Wapda to expedite work on the transmission lines for supplying electricity from the Chuchang grid station to domestic and commercial consumers.

He issued the directives while speaking at a meeting the other day.

He said the residents protesting the Wapda’s ‘apathy’ were blocking the Karakoram Highway daily from 5pm to midnight, inconveniencing passengers.

ROAD ACCIDENTS: The traffic police have said that the jeeps without a valid fitness certificate wouldn’t be allowed to ply on the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road or on tracks leading to Lake Saiful Muluk and other tourist destinations to help prevent frequent accidents involving the rickety vehicles.

Speaking to drivers in Naran, SP traffic Jehanzeb Khan asked them to abide by the standard operating procedures while transporting tourists on mountainous tracks.

“Jeep transport is a major component of the tourism industry in Kaghan Valley, as thousands of drivers and mechanics earn a livelihood through this profession. You should remain cautious and strictly follow the SOPs devised for operating on hilly tracks,” Mr Khan said.

On the occasion, Traffic Inspector Anas Khan said drivers overcharging tourists would face legal action, and their vehicles could be impounded.

He said visitors to Kaghan Valley should not indulge in reckless driving on mountainous tracks, as many people have lost their lives due to rash driving and a lack of vigilance.

Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2026