Amid the increasing protests by thousands of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam on the delay in compensation and the resettlement promises that were not achieved, the federal government pledged to quickly contact after the emergency meeting on Monday.
The protests, which were organized under the slogan Haqooq Do, Dam Banao Tehreek (Giving rights and building the dam movement), witnessed a great participation of the affected population, youth activists, religious leaders, legal experts and political representatives. In solidarity, traders at Chilas, the province’s headquarters in Diamer, closes companies, which has stopped commercial activity.
In response to the escalating demonstrations, the Federal Minister of Kashmir, Gilgit-Paltistan, SAFRON, Engr. Amir Maqama, chaired a high -level meeting to address concerns related to implementing projects to build confidence -building measures (CBM) for Diamer.
The meeting, which was attended by major officials, including Prime Minister of Gilgit-Portistan, Hagi Gulber Khan (via Zoom), Chairman of the Board of Directors at Wapda (RTD), Sajad Ghani, the main secretary GB Abrar Ahmed Mirza, Federal Secretary for Kashmir and GAFAR HASAN, An additional minister, Kamran Rahman Khan, focused on resolving long grievances related to land compensation, water and sanitation supplies, and family resettlement package (Chulha Pack).
Engr. MUQAM has announced the formation of a high-level committee to visit Gilgit-Baltistan and supervise the solution of grievances. He also committed to visiting the region personally, while emphasizing that the federal government is priority to the development and welfare of the Gilgit residents in Pentess.
WAPDA officials confirmed that tenders will be issued for the water supply project within two weeks, while a broader strategy has been formulated to ensure timely completion of various development initiatives.
A day before the emergency meeting, Town Town witnessed a huge demonstration, as the speakers highlighted the sacrifices of society for the Dimer-Barasha Dam and the government’s failure to provide promised and employment compensation opportunities.
“This is a peaceful gathering of the rights of those who gave their land to the dam.” “We are not against the state, but we are asking for justice to our people who have made sacrifices in the national interest.”
The main demands offered by the demonstrators include:
- Immediate version of the family resettlement package (Cholha package).
- Full compensation for the land gained for the dam.
- Determining local employment priorities instead of employment from other cities.
During the protest, a charter of 31 points of demands was presented to the authorities, where the participants pledge to continue their sit -in in BBA-Crist Until their demands are met. The negotiations between the provincial officials and the protest leaders remained decisive.
The Diamer-Bhasha Dam, a strategic electrical energy project that aims to meet the needs of water and energy in Pakistan, faced great obstacles, especially in compensation and resettlement. Al -Sadd, which was first filmed in 1980, witnessed that the acquisition of land in the early first decade of the twentieth century, but the delay in compensation payments and rehabilitation measures has fueled resentment between local communities.
While the government and Wapda confirm that large funds have been allocated to the development of the project, the effects argue that many financial support and the promised infrastructure are still not subject to. It emphasizes the latest protests on long -term frustration and highlights the urgency of a clear and transparent decision.
