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       MANSEHRA: The Muttahida Kohistan Jirga blocked the Karakoram Highway in Upper Kohistan district for the third consecutive day on Friday, demanding the immediate release of its leader, Maulana Kareemdad, who was arrested under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order.

       “Wapda has violated its agreements with those affected by the Dasu dam project. When we raised this issue publicly, our jirga member, Maulana Kareemdad, was taken into custody under the MPO,” Maulana Sakhidad told protesters at Green Chowk in the Dasu area.

       The protesters shouted slogans against Wapda, accusing it of violating commitments and trying to divide them.

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       The other speakers, including Maulana Waliullah Tohidee, Malik Noorwali and Said Gul Badshah, said Wapda should honour its agreements made with locals between 2014 and 2022.

       KKH blockade enters third day

       “We even rendered the graveyards of our forefathers for Dasu dam’s construction,” Mr Badshah said.

       He demanded the reconstruction of roads washed away in the 2022 floods, payments under the Kitchen Package, and free electric supply to the people of Kohistan.

       Maulana Kareemdad had allegedly led a group, which obstructed work for the laying of transmission lines in parts of the district.

       Also, traffic remained suspended on the Karakoram Highway at RMP Chowk in the Pattan area of Lower Kohistan district.

       District police officer Taimur Khan told reporters that personnel were deployed at sensitive places in large numbers to handle any untoward situation.

       Amir Muqam

       Minister for States and Frontier Regions and Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam on Friday praised the Pakistan Army over sacrifices for the country.

       “People should guide their children not to fall victim to the propaganda and conspiracies against our gallant army,” Mr Muqam told a parents’ day function at the Pakistan Scouts Cadet College Batrasi here.

       He said the nation was proud of the armed forces as their sacrifices had tied the country together.

       The minister said youth were the country’s future leaders, so they should focus on studies instead of working against national interest.

       He also urged parents to ensure their children aren’t involved in destructive activities.

       Mr Muqam praised the nationwide cadet colleges for instilling the spirit of patriotism in youth and providing them with a platform to significantly contribute to the country’s socioeconomic progress.

       “We consider you the bright future of our nation,” he said.

       The minister said the federal government was ensuring the provision of quality learning of science and technology to students as part of efforts for national development.

       The cadets later exhibited gymnastic and horse-riding skills and performed traditional dances of all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

       Published in Dawn, December 7th, 2024