February 11, 2026: A ceremony was held at the Commissioner House Abbottabad regarding the disbursement of land compensation for the land acquired in Tehsil Harban Basha, District Upper Kohistan, under the WAPDA, Diamer Bhasha Dam Project.
During the ceremony, cheque vouchers amounting to over PKR 2.46 billion were handed over to local elders in the presence of the Commissioner Hazara Division, representatives of WAPDA, and the district administration of Upper Kohistan. The amount pertains to compensation for land acquired for the Diamer Basha Dam Project.
The event was attended by Commissioner Hazara Division Mr. Fayyaz Ali Shah, Regional Police Officer Hazara Mr. Nasir Mehmood Satti, Chief Engineer (Diversion Works) Diamer Basha Dam Engr. Mumtaz Qazi, DG Social Safeguards Major (R) Tariq Mehmood, Deputy Commissioner Upper Kohistan Mr. Tariq Ali Khan, along with officials of WAPDA and the district administration, and local elders of Tehsil Harban Basha.
Addressing the ceremony, Commissioner Hazara Division Mr. Fayyaz Ali Shah appreciated the close coordination between the administration and local elders in facilitating the timely progress of this mega project. He expressed hope that the elders would continue to resolve issues through dialogue and constructive cooperation in the future.
RPO Hazara Mr. Nasir Mehmood Satti urged the local elders to maintain their cooperation with WAPDA and the district administration to ensure that issues are addressed promptly at the relevant forums.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Engr (DW) Engr. Mumtaz Qazi stated that WAPDA has consistently prioritized the legitimate demands of the local population and ensured timely payment of compensation. He further highlighted that substantial funds are being spent under a comprehensive program aimed at promoting regional, economic, and social development through various welfare and development initiatives.
Deputy Commissioner Upper Kohistan Mr. Tariq Ali Khan briefed the participants on the land acquisition process and the measures undertaken. He stated that future project related matters would be resolved in consultation with local elders.
Representing the local community, former Chairman Tehsil Harban Basha Mr. Abdul Aziz thanked the Commissioner Hazara Division, WAPDA, and the district administration of Upper Kohistan for the payment of compensation. He assured continued positive cooperation from the local elders in resolving issues in the project area and supporting socio-economic development initiatives.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, honorary shields were presented on behalf of the Commissioner Hazara Division to local elders of Harban Bhasha in recognition of their positive role in facilitating land acquisition and addressing related matters.