Tahir Mehmood
Abbottabad: Frustration is mounting among residents of Umahdeen and surrounding areas due to prolonged delays in the construction of Thandiani Road, a mega project approved with the support of the World Bank. A large number of people, including political and social figures, gathered at the press club to demand immediate action.Prominent figures such as Pir Syed Mehboob Shah, Sardar Azhar Zubair Khan, and Malik Safdar Waheed Abbasi addressed the press conference, voicing concerns over the negligence of the contractor, Kite, and project company NIS-Pak. They warned that if construction does not resume within 15 days, they will launch a strong protest.The incomplete road has already caused two landslides, leading to financial losses for affected families. Speakers at the press conference demanded that the contractor provide compensation to those impacted. Additionally, poor road conditions and excessive dust have led to health issues among residents. In response, Ameer Maqam Sahib arranged for medical teams from Punjab to set up a medical camp in the area.
Malik Safdar Awan emphasized that their protest is not against any political party or representative but is solely aimed at ensuring the project’s completion. “This road was supposed to be completed in two years. It has now been three years, yet no significant progress has been made,” he stated.
Criticism was also directed at local representatives from six union councils for their failure to advocate for the project’s completion. The protestors have set a deadline of February 25 for authorities to resume work. If their demands are not met, they plan to stage continuous demonstrations until construction resumes.
The delay in Thandiani Road construction continues to cause hardships for thousands of residents, and all eyes are now on the authorities to take urgent action.
