Abbottabad: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Irrigation Riaz Khan on Saturday directed the Irrigation Department to complete a detailed survey of Abbottabad’s Jab Nullah within 10 days and prepare the PC-I for a comprehensive project aimed at permanently resolving the city’s recurring urban flooding and drainage problems.
The minister issued the directives during a visit to Jab Nullah on the special instructions of Chief Minister Muhammad Suhail Afridi. MPA Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani, MNA Ali Khan Jadoon, senior Irrigation Department officials and other relevant authorities accompanied him.
During the visit, Riaz Khan inspected various sections of the nullah, reviewed water flow, channel capacity, existing conditions and encroachments, and received a detailed briefing from officials. They informed him that heavy monsoon rains significantly increase the water level in the stream, causing urban flooding, waterlogging and disruption to traffic in different parts of Abbottabad.
Addressing the officials, the minister said resolving Abbottabad’s urban flooding and drainage issues was a top priority of the provincial government. He said the survey report must be completed within the stipulated period and submitted to the Irrigation Department so that the PC-I could be prepared without delay.
Riaz Khan said Chief Minister Muhammad Suhail Afridi had directed all provincial cabinet members to visit districts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, interact with the public and ensure timely resolution of local issues. He said his visit to Abbottabad was part of that initiative.
He said the provincial government was committed to transparent governance, improved public service delivery and long-term development planning. He added that a comprehensive strategy was being formulated to permanently address urban flooding and improve drainage infrastructure in Abbottabad.
The minister warned that no delay in the execution of the project would be tolerated and stressed that the highest construction standards must be maintained throughout its implementation.