MANSEHRA: Deputy Inspector of Police, Hazara Range, Tahir Ayub Khan on Friday said the Dasu hydropower project being executed on the Indus River in Kohistan promised the socioeconomic development of the region.

“This mega energy project will not only help address electricity shortages in the country but will also bring socioeconomic improvements to your lives,” Mr Khan told a function in Dasu.

The participants included local elders, politicians, and clerics.

The DIG said people from all walks of life in the Kohistan region, especially ulema and politicians, supported authorities for the smooth execution of the Dasu hydropower project on their soil.

“Your role in keeping miscreants away is highly appreciable. We also need your support in ensuring foolproof security for the Chinese nationals working on development projects in the region,” he told participants.

Mr Khan said the police had beefed up security for Dasu Dam but would need the continued support and cooperation of residents to check subversive activities in the region.

Earlier in the day, the DIG visited the site of the 4300-megawatt Dasu hydropower project along with Upper Kohistan district police officer Mukhtar Ahmad and reviewed security arrangements.

He also met with Chinese engineers and workers at their residential camp and assured them of foolproof security.

“Your security is our top priority. We’ll ensure it by all means without caring for our lives,” he told Chinese workers.

The DIG also chaired the “security review” meeting of the department at the police lines in Upper Kohistan district.

He told participants that the police had to protect the lives of Chinese nationals working on development projects in the region.

“I won’t tolerate any negligence in this respect,” he said.

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2024