Official for completion of Havelian bypass project

The Havelian-Dhamthore bypass road will not only help solve traffic problems in Abbottabad but will also further boost tourism in Galiyat, therefore, the road project should be completed within the stipulated time, said Abbottabad Deputy Commissioner Tariq Salam Marwat on Tuesday.

The Frontier Works Organisation’s officials gave him a detailed briefing regarding the construction of the road and completion of the project which would start from Havelian and will connect Galiyat with the rest of the country.

The remaining work on Havelian-Dhamthore bypass road should be completed on time and all the allied departments FWO, NesPak, C&W have been asked to complete the project before the start of the next season, he said.

The DC said that a police station on Dhamthore bypass road should established to provide safety and security to the locals and tourists. The provision of sufficient funds to the people regarding land acquisition should be ensured, he added.

The deputy commissioner directed revenue officials to complete the installation of large size signboards at Motorway Interchange, GT Road and Havelian-Dhamthore bypass road. He added that action should be taken against all kinds of encroachments near Havelian-Dhamthore bypass road.

In 2018, Chief Minister Pervez Khattak had inaugurated work on the construction of Havelian-Dhamthore bypass. The project is worth Rs1.47 billion and was assigned to the Frontier Works Organisation as a contractor and consultant.

Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Hazara Mirwais Niaz has said significant work has been done for the prevention of drugs but ice is becoming common and it is destroying the younger generation.

“There is a serious concern that the recovery of ice should be done in a better way,” he said while addressing district police officers during an online crime conference on Tuesday.

A number of issues including crime, drug prevention, China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) security and the incoming tourist season were discussed in detail.

He said, “In the month of Ramazan and especially during Friday gatherings and Taraweeh prayers, security of mosques should be properly arranged and appropriate personnel should be deployed.” He said officers should ensure a sense of security among the people and be prepared to deal with any emergency.

He ordered officials concerned to chalk out security plans for Eid and perform surveys now in places where people go to celebrate Eid holidays. “Provide appropriate instructions to the local police for special surveillance of these places,” he said, adding that in cases of robbery and vehicle lifting, police seem to be unable to lodge a first information report (FIR). “Upon receipt of such reports, departmental action should be taken against the police officer concerned who fails to register an FIR,” he said. He urged officers to launch a special campaign and take full action against those who possess unlicensed and illegal weapons.

DIG Niaz also spoke about the security of CPEC and foreigners and issued orders to improve security measures. He said, “In all districts of Hazara region, the movement of tourists starts from spring. If there is any problem or shortage of personnel, then send your demands and suggestions to the regional office immediately so that the shortage can be met in time.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 13^th, 2022.