Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

Malakand : [Mansoor Ahmad District Coordinator ReNews Pakistan]
Work is underway on the Tourist Sitting and Viewpoint near Malakand Tunnel as part of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s ongoing initiatives to promote tourism in the region.
Deputy Commissioner Malakand Muhammad Fayaz Khan Sherpao visited the project site and conducted a detailed review of the ongoing development work, construction progress and the quality of materials being used.
Speaking on the occasion, the deputy commissioner said such projects are highly important for promoting tourism and providing better facilities to travelers. He directed the relevant departments and contractors to ensure the early completion of the project in accordance with the required standards, adding that no compromise would be made on construction quality.
Muhammad Fayaz Khan Sherpao said the completion of the Tourist Viewpoint would provide tourists, families and travelers passing through Malakand Division with safe and improved facilities for rest, seating and enjoying the natural scenery.
He said the district administration would continue practical measures for improving tourist sites, enhancing public facilities and beautifying the area.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has paid another Rs 677.7 million to the affectees of Harban in Upper Kohistan as compensation for land acquired for the construction of the Diamer Basha Dam Project.
The compensation cheques were distributed among the affected landowners through the Thor-Harban Grand Peace Jirga during a ceremony held at Bushi Das.
The ceremony was attended by General Manager and Project Director Diamer Basha Dam Project Engr. Dr. Nazakat Hussain, Deputy Commissioner Upper Kohistan Aziz Ullah Jan, Deputy Commissioner Diamer Lt Muhammad Awais Abbasi (retd), members of the Thor-Harban Grand Peace Jirga, local elders from Harban and Basha, and senior officials of the district administrations, police and WAPDA.
According to officials, the latest payment is part of WAPDA’s ongoing compensation process for land and property acquired for the multi billion rupee Diamer Basha Dam Project.
The Thor-Harban Grand Peace Jirga had successfully resolved a longstanding boundary dispute in 2022 through negotiations between the tribes of Harban in Upper Kohistan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Thor in Diamer district of Gilgit Baltistan. The settlement paved the way for compensation payments to the affected landowners.
So far, WAPDA has disbursed more than Rs4.48 billion to the district administration of Upper Kohistan and over Rs 59.76 billion to the district administration of Diamer for land and property compensation. The total amount disbursed under land acquisition and property compensation for the Diamer Basha Dam Project has now reached Rs 64.24 billion.
Out of the total 35,924 acres of land required for the project, WAPDA has acquired 33,848 acres so far. This includes 32,428 acres in Gilgit Baltistan and 1,420 acres in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Diamer Basha Dam is considered one of Pakistan’s most important water, food and energy security projects. The dam is being constructed by WAPDA on the River Indus and is designed to store 8.1 million acre feet of water.
After completion, the project will generate 4,500 megawatts of clean and affordable electricity. It will also help irrigate an additional 1.2 million acres of land and contribute around 18 billion units of low-cost electricity to the national grid every year.
Officials said the project will play a major role in strengthening Pakistan’s water storage capacity, supporting agriculture and improving the country’s long-term energy security.

Malakand: [Mansoor Ahmad District Coordinator ReNews Pakistan]
The real estate market in district Malakand is witnessing a growing shift away from paper files toward on ground properties with clear ownership status. Buyers and long term investors are increasingly preferring properties with legally verified documents and existing basic facilities.
According to local market sources, real estate activity is gradually stabilizing in key areas, including Batkhela and Thana. In particular, the residential zone located behind the local hospital in Batkhela has become a focus of buyer interest, where notable activity is being observed in the sale and purchase of plots.
As per the latest market update, residential plots measuring 6.66 marla, approximately 1,800 square feet, near Batkhela Hospital are available at around Rs280 per square foot. The availability of basic utilities such as electricity, gas and water is being cited as a major factor behind buyer confidence in the area.
Experts say the Swat Motorway and improved road infrastructure have also had a positive impact on Malakand’s property market. Better travel facilities, reduced freight costs and easier access to commercial centers have increased the economic value of both residential and commercial properties.
Meanwhile, the use of digital platforms for local property information and deals is also rising rapidly. Dealers, property owners and buyers are using Facebook groups such as “Thana Property Buy and Sell” and “Swat Malakand Property” to establish direct contact, making the buying and selling process relatively easier and faster.
Local real estate circles believe that if focus remains on legal documentation, transparent dealing and basic facilities, Malakand’s property market could become more stable in the coming days.