KP Minister Directs Resolution of Battagram Tehsil Complex Dispute
KP Minister for Law, Human Rights, and Parliamentary Affairs Aftab Alam has directed efforts to expedite the resolution of the dispute over the construction of the Battagram Tehsil Complex and ongoing legal issues with the District Bar Association Battagram through mutual consultation.
He stated that the provincial government will ensure the completion of this public project while addressing the legitimate concerns of all stakeholders in accordance with the law.
A high-level review meeting, chaired by Minister Alam, was held in Peshawar to examine the matter. MPA Munir Hussain Laghmani, Advocate General Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shah Faisal Utmankhel, Deputy Commissioner Battagram, representatives of the District Bar Association Battagram, and other relevant officials attended.
The meeting reviewed the recommendations of a special committee constituted on the directives of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ongoing court proceedings, and positions from the district administration and bar association.
It was informed that the old Tehsil Office building in Battagram was constructed in 1993 and partially damaged in the 2005 earthquake. The provincial government approved a project in 2021 for new tehsil complexes at a total estimated cost of Rs170.994 million for Battagram and Allai.
The old building was demolished in 2024, leading to legal challenges from the District Bar Association Battagram. A stay order issued by the Abbottabad Bench of the Peshawar High Court has paused construction work.
The district administration claimed only 15 marlas of land were needed for the complex and that suitable land was available at the site of the former Assistant Commissioner’s Office, but emphasized growing construction costs due to delays.
Representatives from the District Bar Association expressed legal and administrative concerns regarding the chosen site and land use, advocating for a mutually acceptable solution through stakeholder consultation.
Minister Alam assured that the provincial government aimed to find an amicable and sustainable solution while considering both legal requirements and legitimate stakeholder concerns.
