Reshun Hydropower project: Upper Chitral dwellers oppose transfer of power supply responsibilities to Pesco

PESHAWAR: The residents of Torkhow and Morkhow tehsils in Upper Chitral on Tuesday opposed the government’s decision to transfer power supply responsibilities of the Reshun Hydropower project to the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco), terming it an injustice.

Speaking at aa press conference at the Peshawar Press Club, local leaders, including Maulana Javed Hussain, Umair Khalilullah, Pir Mukhtar, Tahiruddin Shadan, Shams-un-Nabi Muawiya, Qari Noor Murad, Ghulam Murtaza, Ejaz Rehman and Azeem Sarwar Sahil announced their firm rejection of the decision and threatened widespread protests if it is not revoked.

They emphasised that the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organisation (Pedo) provides affordable electricity through hydropower, whereas Pesco supplies expensive electricity with additional taxes. The speakers argued that the people of the underdeveloped areas cannot afford high electricity tariffs and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the decision. “The Reshun Hydropower project was built to facilitate the people of Upper Chitral after they announced to stop cultivation of charas.

The local leaders warned that the people would launch strong protests if the government does not reverse the decision to hand over power supply to Pesco and does not complete the pending development projects. The press conference also highlighted the incomplete construction of the Booni-Buzund Road and Morkhow Road.

The speakers accused the C&W Department and its officials of corruption, alleging that they had received millions in advance payments without completing the projects.