The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has signed an agreement with the affected residents of three union councils of Shangla.
The initiative is meant to launch uplift projects and address their concerns related to the 11.80 megawatt Karora Hydropower Project.
The Shangla National Jirga successfully concluded essential negotiations with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regarding the Karora Hydel Project.
This historic Jirga was led by the prominent political and social figure Nawaz Khan Shangla, a former candidate for the National Assembly (NA-11), and Advocate Naeem Sahib.
Key attendees of the negotiations included the Provincial Minister for Energy, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mr. Tariq Sadozai, Deputy Commissioner Shangla Mr. Fawad Khan, and CEO of PEDO, Mr. Irfan Wazir, along with a high-level government delegation.
The government showed great respect for the Jirga and provided firm assurances for addressing the public’s issues.
At the beginning of the Jirga, Advocate Naeem Sahib and Nawaz Khan Shangla detailed the problems faced by the community and their legitimate demands. The government took these matters seriously and expressed its readiness for immediate action.
Agreements were signed between the Jirga participants and the government to include additional public welfare packages. The new package consists of schools, infrastructure development, and water supply schemes. Moreover, the Energy Minister assured full support for protecting the rights of the residents of the three Union Councils.
New micro and mini hydel projects for the three Union Councils were also approved, with directives for the relevant survey report to be submitted as soon as possible. Additionally, the installation costs for new electricity meters will be collected from the public in easy installments, and this issue will be addressed with PESCO.
The government and the Jirga mutually agreed on a formula to provide electricity at reduced rates for the benefit of the local population. Furthermore, a committee has been established under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner Shangla to ensure the provision of transmission lines at a cost of Rs. 485 million (48.5 crore rupees). This committee will include representatives from the Jirga and PESCO.
In response to demands for employment opportunities for the affected residents, the Energy Minister assured that candidates from the three Union Councils and Shangla would be given priority for jobs at all levels.
On this occasion, the Energy Minister expressed gratitude to Nawaz Khan Shangla, representing the government and the Jirga, for playing a constructive role in facilitating communication between the government and the public Jirga, which helped pave the way for resolving longstanding issues.
In conclusion, the Jirga extended special thanks to the Energy Minister, CEO of PEDO Mr. Irfan Wazir, and Deputy Commissioner Shangla Mr. Fawad Khan for their support and cooperation in addressing the community’s concerns.
The Shangla Jirga will continue its effort to represent the people’s voice to the government and safeguard their rights.
Read also: Jirga call for rights seeking in Karora Hydropower Project
