Kohistan protest enters 45th day

Locals demand promised roads as Duber Dam sit-in continues

SHANGLA:

The protest at the under-construction Duber Dam in Kohistan has entered its 45th consecutive day, with local residents expressing deep frustration over unfulfilled promises.

Initiated by local leadership, the sit-in has been described as a historic demonstration in the region.

Protesters claim that WAPDA, while constructing the dam, assured the people of Kohistan that essential infrastructure, particularly road networks, would be developed, a promise that remains unfulfilled. Residents say that for the past 15 years, the community has been deprived of basic facilities, such as roads, despite large projects being built using local resources. Their central demand is simple yet firm: "Give us roads, take your water." Until construction of the promised roads begins, the protest will continue.

The movement is no longer confined to Duber. Kohistanis have staged large demonstrations in Swat, Abbottabad, and recently, outside the Karachi Press Club, where hundreds from the region expressed full solidarity with the Duber sit-in. Protesters argue that WAPDA's failure to honor its commitments amounts to exploitation and disrespect, calling for immediate redress.

Local leadership recently met Federal Minister, Amir Maqam, briefing him on the protest and community demands. While the minister assured that the matter would be raised with WAPDA's chairman, no tangible progress has been made, fueling widespread disappointment.

Protesters insist that the movement will continue until all commitments, particularly the construction of roads, are fully implemented. Leaders urge WAPDA to take immediate action, ensuring Kohistanis receive their rightful benefits from projects built on their own resources.