Mirpur: In a high-level meeting chaired by Commissioner Mirpur Division, Chaudhry Shaukat Ali, various developmental issues related to the new city and small towns were discussed. The meeting was attended by officials from the WAPDA and the Mangla Dam Housing Authority, including Pakistan’s Chief Monitoring Officer Saifullah Osmani, Chief Monitoring Officer of WAPDA Shakeel Khan, Chief Monitoring Officer Asad Khurshid, Deputy Chief Water Wang Ghazala Chanar, and other officials.
The attendees discussed key topics including the progress of resettlement and compensation for the affected people in the new city and small towns established for those displaced due to the Mangla Dam expansion. Discussions also encompassed the completion of remaining developmental projects such as water, electricity, sewage, roads, treatment plants, and other infrastructure within the affected towns. Commissioner Chaudhry Shaukat Ali stressed the importance of completing these projects as per the instructions of the President of Azad Kashmir and the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir.
They said that the people of Mirpur have shown a commitment to contribute to Pakistan’s economic development by offering the graves of their ancestors for the water reservoir. However, the delay in completing various remaining tasks related to WAPDA’s responsibilities has caused significant concern and apprehension among the public.
Commissioner Chaudhry Shaukat Ali and Director General of Mangla Dam Housing Authority, Chaudhry Muhammad Mansha Nakshbandi, provided detailed briefings on the remaining compensation and resettlement issues for the affected Mangla Dam residents. WAPDA officials assured that they will fulfil their responsibilities and address all the complaints related to the Mangla Dam Raising Agreement as per the government’s directives.
The sacrifices made by the affected people of Mangla Dam are deeply appreciated by the Government of Pakistan and WAPDA. The Mangla Dam is a vital project for Pakistan’s progress, and the sacrifices made by the people of Mirpur are invaluable for its completion.
Subsequently, WAPDA authorities conducted a visit to the New City and assessed the remaining developmental work in the affected towns, ensuring that all issues related to the affected Mangla Dam residents will be resolved promptly.