MANSEHRA, Feb 19: More than 22 power transformers have been stolen in different areas of Mansehra district during the last one month, causing numerous problems for the locals. Water supply to various localities remained suspended for several days when six transformers of the water supply schemes were stolen by unidentified thieves. On Friday, the coils of power transformer at Dodial were also stolen and new transformer was yet to be installed. According to sources the copper wire, used in the transformers, is expensive and sold at Rs2,000 per kilogram in the market.

The stealing of power transformers has irked police but none of the thieves involved in it can be apprehended. Sources said that thieves were skilled people as the transformers were stolen when electricity was present in the wires.

People in different areas of district held rallies against Pesco officials for demanding money from them to repair and replace the transformers.

PASSPORT OFFICE: 'The passport office in Battagram will be made functional soon to issue passports to people of remote and backward Kohistan and Battagram districts.

On the demand of people of the areas, the federal government has established passport office in Battagram. The office will be made functional soon.

Sources at the office said that passport issuing process would be started this month after formal inauguration of the office.

Currently, passport office in Abbottabad is providing services to the people of Hazara division, including Kohistan and Battagram districts.

The people, particularly women, of Kohistan and Battagram districts used to travel to Abbottabad in difficult circumstances to make get their passports.

MNA Nawaz Khan told journalists in Battagram that a long awaited demand of the people of Battagram was being materialised by the federal government with setting up passport office.

He hoped that all the basic issues of the people of the Battagram would be addressed gradually.