MANSEHRA: Work on the Bakrial Road, which will connect Hazara Expressway and Karakoram Highway with Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road, has begun.

Once completed, the artery will give tourists easy access to Kaghan Valley as it will bypass Mansehra city.

Talking to reporters on Monday, Mohammad Bilal, sub-divisional officer of communication and works (C&W) department, said Rs600 million had been allocated for the road, which would help ease traffic congestion in Mansehra city.

Mr Bilal was part of a team from the district administration and the C&W department, which inspected the progress of work on the road.

Mansehra assistant commissioner Sana Fatima led the team.

“This artery passes through the New Balakot City, which has been developed for families hit by the 2005 earthquake,” Mr Bilal said.

Ms Fatima directed C&W officials to expedite work on the road project.

The team also reviewed the process of payments for land acquired for the road.

Meanwhile, Upper Kohistan deputy commissioner Azizullah Jan has directed the heads of departments concerned to ensure the early completion of development projects being executed across the district.

He issued the directive while speaking during a meeting on Monday.

SECURITY ENHANCED: Police have enhanced security for Chinese nationals working on energy projects in the Mansehra district.

Speaking at a meeting on Monday, district police officer Mohammad Waqas Khan said multilayered security protocols would be adopted to ensure the smooth execution of energy projects.

He also said that in light of the current law and order situation, leave for all police personnel had been cancelled until further orders.

The DPO stressed that police would ensure that nobody challenged the government writ. “Eradicating crime is our top priority,” Mr Khan said.

He said the police department would ensure merit in the posting and transfer of police personnel.

Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2026