SHANGLA: Local residents and political leadership of Bisham tehsil here have warned the authorities that they will not allow installation of high-voltage transmission lines linked to Dasu hydropower project unless their demands were accepted.

The warning came during a high-level jirga convened at Jinnah Park in Bisham, attended by a large number of local elders, political leaders, civil society representatives and people affected by the proposed transmission line.

Speakers at the gathering said the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) was executing two major energy schemes in the region, the 4,600-megawatt Dasu hydropower project and the 4,400MW Diamer-Bhasha dam, but local communities in Kohistan and Shangla had serious reservations about the transmission lines associated with the projects.

The affected people alleged that they had neither been properly informed about the route of the transmission lines nor compensated for land being acquired for towers and related infrastructure. They claimed that their lands, houses and other properties were being taken over under the Telegraph Act without adequate consultation or payment.

Vow to obstruct work, continue protest until demands are met

The participants of the jirga demanded immediate compensation for affected families and relocation of transmission lines and poles from populated areas to non-populated zones. They warned that protests would continue and contractors would not be allowed to erect towers or install lines until their concerns were addressed.

Former district and tehsil nazim of Alpuri, Muhammad Tahir Khan, said that the people of Shangla would not compromise on their rights.

Among others who spoke on the occasion were former senator Maulana Rahat Hussain, Syed Wasi Shah, Bakhti Khan, Zahid Ali, Amad Khan, Fazal Maabood, Noshirwan Swati, Abbas Khan, and Hayat Khan.

SIX INJURED IN ACCIDENT: Six people sustained injuries in a road accident involving two vehicles and a motorcycle on Bisham-Swat Road near Kerai in Bisham tehsil the other day.

The Rescue 1122 officials promptly reached the scene and provided first aid before transporting the injured to a local hospital for further treatment. The officials confirmed that all six injured persons were stable and receiving medical care.

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2026