Diamer Protestors Take Oath on Quran, Demand Compensation for Diamer Bhasha Dam Affected People

In Diamer, protestors recently gathered at Chilas Airport to launch a new movement for the rights of the affected people of the Diamer Bhasha Dam. Thousands of people, including the public, religious scholars, student organizations, local committees, and tribal leaders, attended the protest, where they vowed on the Quran to not back down from their rights and to remain steadfast despite any pressure.

During the gathering, Provincial Minister Engineer Anwar praised the unity of the people of Diamer, stating that if they overcome their differences and stand together, no one would dare infringe upon their rights. He criticized WAPDA (Water and Power Development Authority), pointing out that according to the law, compensation is to be provided to the affected people before the initiation of any project. However, despite the Diamer Bhasha Dam project nearing completion, the affected individuals have yet to receive compensation.

Other speakers at the protest highlighted that the affected people had repeatedly protested in the past, but the government made false promises, only to suppress each demonstration. However, this time, the protestors vowed not to retreat unless their demands were legally acknowledged and a written assurance was provided.

During the protest, it was announced that a central committee would be formed to determine the next steps for the movement. The protestors declared that if their demands were not met, the protest would be extended from Chilas Airport to the Karakoram Highway.

Shahabuddin Ghori, a journalist from Chilas, emphasized that the Diamer Bhasha Dam is the largest mega-project in the country, expected to produce 4500 MW of electricity and increase the life span of the Tarbela Dam by 35 years. However, the affected people have consistently demanded their rightful compensation, which has been ignored by WAPDA since the beginning of the project.

The affected people have raised their demands at every level, but WAPDA officials continue to disregard them after brief formal meetings. Their primary demands include compensation, job opportunities, and the rights of the local people. Following the appointment of the new Chairman of WAPDA, the team was entirely changed, leading to further neglect of the affected communities’ concerns.