Senate body discusses matters related to Diamer Bhasha Dam awareness drive.

Islamabad -- The Senate Standing Committee on Planning Development and Special Initiatives on Monday discussed matters related to the Diamer Bhasha Dam awareness campaign and irregularities in the project.

The committee also took up issues related to rehabilitation of electricity distribution infrastructure in Kohat, construction of Khalifa Bridge over the Indus in Rojhan connecting Rajan our and Rahim Yar Khan and Balochistan Development Package (South).

The meeting commenced with deliberation over the awareness campaign aired on different TV channels regarding the Diamer Bhasha Dam.

Secretary Ministry of Information and Broadcasting informed the Committee that the campaign did not involve any public money and that the airing of 245000 spots and 282000 Public Service Messages took place according to an agreement with TV Channels that the government will get 10 percent of total airing time on different channels for Public Service Messages.

The Committee enquired claims related to the Supreme Court advertisement; according to which PKR 10 billion was spent on Public Service Messages. The Committee in addition to this also highlighted irregularities in terms of land payments. Chairman Committee, Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani was of the view that audit reports must be examined to check for misappropriation. Names of the members of the Diamir Bhasha Dam were shared with the Committee.

Regarding installation of the bridge in Malakand area that was dismantled due to work on the Mohmand Dam, the Committee was assured that according to the resettlement plan it shall be restored to ensure connectivity.

Discussing the updated implementation status of a matter regarding various approved schemes of rehabilitation of electricity distribution infrastructure in District Kohat; the Committee was informed that the list regarding energizing 13 transformers within 24 hours was handed over to the concerned PESCO CEO with directions to verify the sites and energize all completed transformers.

A survey has also been initiated for the verification of material stored at different sites required for completion of the said schemes.

The Committee was informed that once the survey is completed details will be submitted to...

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