Rains destroy over 200 link roads in Balakot tehsil

In the wake of the relentless monsoon rains, Balakot Tehsil in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has suffered extensive damage, with more than 200 link roads and approximately 50 houses left in ruins.

The calamity has severely affected the livelihoods of the residents, leading to growing concerns over the lack of adequate reconstruction efforts.

Expressing his distress over the situation, Balakot Tehsil Nazim, Sardar Liaqat Kisana, highlighted the apparent negligence of 15 government departments in the rehabilitation process.

To address the dire situation, a crucial meeting of all relevant departments has been scheduled for August 01, he added.

Kisana called for immediate attention from the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to facilitate the issuance of necessary instructions to the involved departments. He emphasised that the impact of the calamity could be significantly reduced if these departments promptly initiate rehabilitation efforts.

He said there has been a year-long ban on local government funds which adds to the challenges.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2023.