SHANGLA: Leaders of Tehreek-e-Ehtesab Shangla have demanded an independent and transparent investigation into development projects, alleged corruption, irregularities and incomplete schemes carried out in the district since 2005.

The demand was made during a press conference at Shangla Press Club Alpuri, where movement leaders said billions of rupees had been allocated for reconstruction, rehabilitation and development after the 2005 earthquake, but the district still lacked visible progress in several key areas.

Movement leaders Niaz Khan, Muhammad Abbas Khan, Muhammad Shehzad Khan, Fazal Mabood, Ejaz Ahmad Khan, Ghaffar Khan, Akmal Shah and others presented a charter of demands focused on accountability, public services and development reforms.

They alleged that several projects in Shangla remained incomplete, delayed for years or existed only on official records. They called on accountability institutions and anti-corruption authorities to audit development schemes, construction works and public funds used in the district.

The leaders demanded that records of federal and provincial departments working in Shangla, including Pak-PWD, PMA projects, Local Government Department, Communication and Works Department and Public Health Engineering, be made public.

They also called for scrutiny of tenders, payments, project execution and progress reports to determine how funds were spent.

The charter of demands included recruitment of doctors at District Headquarters Hospital Alpuri, provision of medical equipment, completion of delayed schemes and action over the alleged use of substandard material in development projects.

The movement also demanded activation of the Shangla Development Authority, establishment of a labour colony for coal mine workers and schools for their children.

In the energy sector, the leaders urged practical progress on the Karora Hydropower Project and called on the government to formally begin work on the scheme.

They said the movement was not pursuing political interests but seeking transparent governance, better public services and basic rights for the people of Shangla.

The leaders warned that if federal and provincial authorities failed to initiate independent investigations and address public demands, the movement would announce its future course of action after public consultation, including possible protests, long marches and sit-ins.