Islamabad: The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on Water Resources on Thursday directed the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) to contract the services of local residents in Gilgit Baltistan (GB) for the jobs in Diamer-Bhasha Dam project development, a news source reported.
The NA committee took notice that only four lower-level vacancies out of 169 different posts were available for locals (residents in GB and KP’s tribal districts) in the dam project. In this regard, MNA Khalid Hussain Magsi issued orders to the Ministry of Water Resources and WAPDA to prefer candidates from GB for these jobs.
The officials concerned apprised the committee that a civil established code prioritised local candidates impacted by engagements during the hiring process for grade 1 to 15 jobs. In response, the committee had barred any appointments for the jobs advertised pertaining to Diamer-Bhasha Dam project development until issue of quota for GB candidates was resolved.
The meeting also discussed the ‘poor management’ of Rawal Dam. Officials concerned claimed that the administration was not allowing public access to the areas surrounding the dam despite the government’s vision of promoting tourism. The NA committee has now formed a sub-committee to monitor the administration, environment, and distribution of water pertaining to the dam. The sub-committee will submit a report within 30 days.
