Shangla National Jirga successfully concluded important negotiations with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regarding the Karora Hydel Project.
This historic Jirga was led by the renowned political and social figure, Nawaz Khan Shangla (former candidate for the National Assembly NA-11) and Advocate Naeem Sahib.
The negotiations were attended by the Provincial Minister for Energy, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mr Tariq Sadozai, Deputy Commissioner Shangla, Mr. Fawad Khan, and CEO PEDO, Mr. Irfan Wazir, along with a high-level government delegation. The government gave full respect to the Jirga and provided firm assurances for resolving the public’s issues.
At the outset of the Jirga, Advocate Naeem Sahib and Nawaz Khan Shangla briefed the forum in detail about the problems faced by the people and their legitimate demands. The government took these matters seriously and expressed readiness for immediate action.
Agreements were signed between the Jirga participants and the government to include additional public welfare packages. The new package includes schools, infrastructure development, and water supply schemes. Additionally, the Energy Minister assured full support for protecting the rights of the people of the three Union Councils at every forum.
New micro and mini hydel projects for the three Union Councils were also approved, with instructions for the relevant survey report to be presented as soon as possible.
Similarly, the installation costs of new electricity meters will be collected from the public in easy instalments, and this matter will be taken up with PESCO.
The government and the Jirga also mutually agreed on a formula for providing electricity at lower rates to benefit the local population.
Furthermore, a committee has been constituted under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner, Shangla to ensure the provision of transmission lines costing Rs. 485 million (48.5 crore rupees). This committee will include representatives from the Jirga and PESCO.
Regarding the demand raised for the provision of employment to the affected people, the Energy Minister assured that candidates from the three Union Councils and Shangla will be given priority for jobs at all levels.
On this occasion, the Energy Minister specially thanked Nawaz Khan Shangla (former NA-11 candidate) on behalf of the government and the Jirga for playing a positive and constructive role between the government and the public Jirga, which paved the way for resolving long-standing issues.
In the end, the Jirga extended special thanks to the Energy Minister, CEO PEDO Mr. Irfan Wazir, and Deputy Commissioner Shangla Mr. Fawad Khan for their support and cooperation in addressing the issues.
The Shangla Jirga will continue its struggle with the same resolve to convey the people’s voice to the government and protect their rights.
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