Jirga of 5 major Torghar tribes seek facilities
A jirga by five major tribes of Torghar district has demanded facilities, including royalty payment, for the families affected by Tarbela dam project.
“Our agricultural land, other property and even graveyards were inundated by the waters of Tarbela Dam but the WAPDA has yet to provide us with royalty and other facilities despite written commitment,” elder Sultan Khan told the jirga in Judbah area.
He said the agreement signed by the then government on behalf of the WAPDA had promised the payment of dam royalty for 50 years but it was never followed.
Tribal elder Mohammad Jamal said the dam was built on the tribesmen’s land and ancestral graveyards and supplied electricity to the entire country, but the landowners didn’t have access to power.
Another participant, Mohammad Zahid, said the families affected by the dam didn’t get jobs and other benefits as promised by the agreement.
“Torghar was given the status of a settled district in 2011 but it is still with basic facilities, including educational and health infrastructure,” he said.
Jirga of 5 major Torghar tribes seek facilities
Mr. Zahid said a committee formed by the jirga would take up the issues with the relevant authorities for resolution.
