The completion of the first arch-structured bridge on the alternative section of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) has been described as a major milestone, as the existing highway is expected to be submerged by the Dasu reservoir.
According to a statement issued by the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) on Monday, the 78-metre-long Dogah Concrete Arch Bridge has been constructed over Dogah Nullah. The bridge is 11.3 metres wide and features a 10-metre carriageway with shoulders.
Several arch bridges and tunnels are being constructed along the alternative KKH route to maintain smooth traffic flow and ensure connectivity during floods, Wapda said.
The newly completed bridge has been built according to the design and standards jointly approved by Pakistan and China under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects for connectivity infrastructure along the highway, a major transportation and travel route.
The bridge forms part of the relocated KKH, which is being constructed at a higher elevation to replace the existing road that will be submerged once the reservoir of the Dasu hydropower project is completed.
Wapda said the bridge would provide safe and uninterrupted road connectivity in the area following the construction of the Dasu reservoir.
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker from Kolai-Palas district Sardar Mohammad Riaz has announced plans to convene a jirga on September 14 to determine a future course of action following an alleged attack on his convoy last week.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Riaz claimed that his convoy came under attack near the boundary between Kolai-Palas and Allai, with around 500 shots allegedly fired at the vehicles. He criticised police for failing to arrest any suspects.
Riaz said he was travelling to attend a jirga on September 5 when the incident occurred. He and members of his convoy remained unharmed, while a police team led by a deputy superintendent of police arrived at the scene about an hour later and fired warning shots into the air, he claimed.
The lawmaker said elders from Upper Kohistan, Lower Kohistan and Kolai-Palas would attend the jirga in Pattan.
He said tensions over disputed meadows between tribes from Kolai-Palas and Allai had disrupted normal life, with children unable to attend school and shortages of essential food items reported in the area.
Riaz alleged that those who attacked his convoy were attempting to create a law and order situation by provoking conflict between tribes from the two areas.
He said he had been drawn into the land dispute despite efforts to ease tensions.
According to Riaz, representatives of both sides had previously agreed to lay down their arms and avoid confrontation, but the attack on his convoy was an attempt to reignite tensions and create a fresh law and order crisis.
