KP govt sending Jirga to discuss border-dispute with Gilgit-Baltistan CM

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly Friday demanded formation of a commission to be headed by serving judge of Supreme Court to resolve a territorial dispute between KP and Gilgit-Baltistan province emerged after approval of Basha dam project.

The issue was raised in the house by MPA Abdul Sattar Khan who belongs to Kohistan and said an armed conflict in already in progress between two tribes of Kohistan and Daimer region over the possession of eight-kilometre land.

Abdul Sattar said several people have fell victim to armed conflict in the region as thousands of armed men are sitting on both sides of the road and situation is very tense.

MPA Abdul Sattar also alleged that Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan has issued a very negative statement over the dispute, which has added fuel to fire and caused anguish among the people of Kohistan.

He said Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan has said that this eight-kilometre land will be taken in any case even if needed use of force.

He stressed upon the government to take cognisance of the situation and raise the case with government of Gilgit-Baltistan for settling the dispute.

Supporting the view point of MPA Abdul Sattar, leader of opposition, Mehtab Ahmad Khan provincial government should take the issue with government of GB and try to resolve it amicably.

Mehtab suggested that a commission be formed by Chief Justice Supreme Court to resolve the dispute, which may cause bloodshed and take more lives.

Mehtab also apprised the house about background of Basha dam project and said initial process have been completed and mega project is ready for international bidding. He said under the project about 4000 MW electricity will generate and annual income of the province under Net Hydel profit will increase. He said about eight kilometre of land has become disputed between KP and GB, causing delay in implementation of the project.

He stressed upon the people of Kohistan and GB to let the dispute resolved by the government and not indulge themselves in confrontation.

Let sanity to prevail and avoid bloodshed by taking arms against each other, Mehtab reiterated.

Mehtab also asked the provincial government to approach Chief Minister GB and discuss the issue with him.

Parliamentary leader of Awani National Party (ANP), Sardar Hussain Babak also supported the suggestions of Mehtab Abbasi.

Speaking on the occasion, Senior Minister KP, Sirajul Haq said provincial government is soon sending a jirga to take up the issue with GB government. The jirga is headed by Provincial Home Secretary and comprised MPA Abdul Sattar, MPA Abdul Haq, Commissioner Hazar division and DIG Hazarra division.

Sirajul Haq said the dispute is already taken up by Boundaries Commission, which has not taken any decision yet.

He said if Supreme Court forms a commission under its serving judge, the matter would be resolved amicably and decision will be acceptable to all.

The house also referred a privilege motion tabled by Wajiuz Zaman of PML-N to concerned committee for investigation.

MPA Wajizuz Zaman taken a press statement attributed to him about formation of forward block in opposition. He said the news report is wrong and has breached his privilege. The motion was moved to concerned committee by chair after seeking consent of the house.

Courtesy: Daily Times