Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has paid another Rs 677.7 million to the affectees of Harban in Upper Kohistan as compensation for land acquired for the construction of the Diamer Basha Dam Project.
The compensation cheques were distributed among the affected landowners through the Thor-Harban Grand Peace Jirga during a ceremony held at Bushi Das.
The ceremony was attended by General Manager and Project Director Diamer Basha Dam Project Engr. Dr. Nazakat Hussain, Deputy Commissioner Upper Kohistan Aziz Ullah Jan, Deputy Commissioner Diamer Lt Muhammad Awais Abbasi (retd), members of the Thor-Harban Grand Peace Jirga, local elders from Harban and Basha, and senior officials of the district administrations, police and WAPDA.
According to officials, the latest payment is part of WAPDA’s ongoing compensation process for land and property acquired for the multi billion rupee Diamer Basha Dam Project.
The Thor-Harban Grand Peace Jirga had successfully resolved a longstanding boundary dispute in 2022 through negotiations between the tribes of Harban in Upper Kohistan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Thor in Diamer district of Gilgit Baltistan. The settlement paved the way for compensation payments to the affected landowners.
So far, WAPDA has disbursed more than Rs4.48 billion to the district administration of Upper Kohistan and over Rs 59.76 billion to the district administration of Diamer for land and property compensation. The total amount disbursed under land acquisition and property compensation for the Diamer Basha Dam Project has now reached Rs 64.24 billion.
Out of the total 35,924 acres of land required for the project, WAPDA has acquired 33,848 acres so far. This includes 32,428 acres in Gilgit Baltistan and 1,420 acres in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Diamer Basha Dam is considered one of Pakistan’s most important water, food and energy security projects. The dam is being constructed by WAPDA on the River Indus and is designed to store 8.1 million acre feet of water.
After completion, the project will generate 4,500 megawatts of clean and affordable electricity. It will also help irrigate an additional 1.2 million acres of land and contribute around 18 billion units of low-cost electricity to the national grid every year.
Officials said the project will play a major role in strengthening Pakistan’s water storage capacity, supporting agriculture and improving the country’s long-term energy security.

Malakand: [Mansoor Ahmad District Coordinator ReNews Pakistan]
The real estate market in district Malakand is witnessing a growing shift away from paper files toward on ground properties with clear ownership status. Buyers and long term investors are increasingly preferring properties with legally verified documents and existing basic facilities.
According to local market sources, real estate activity is gradually stabilizing in key areas, including Batkhela and Thana. In particular, the residential zone located behind the local hospital in Batkhela has become a focus of buyer interest, where notable activity is being observed in the sale and purchase of plots.
As per the latest market update, residential plots measuring 6.66 marla, approximately 1,800 square feet, near Batkhela Hospital are available at around Rs280 per square foot. The availability of basic utilities such as electricity, gas and water is being cited as a major factor behind buyer confidence in the area.
Experts say the Swat Motorway and improved road infrastructure have also had a positive impact on Malakand’s property market. Better travel facilities, reduced freight costs and easier access to commercial centers have increased the economic value of both residential and commercial properties.
Meanwhile, the use of digital platforms for local property information and deals is also rising rapidly. Dealers, property owners and buyers are using Facebook groups such as “Thana Property Buy and Sell” and “Swat Malakand Property” to establish direct contact, making the buying and selling process relatively easier and faster.
Local real estate circles believe that if focus remains on legal documentation, transparent dealing and basic facilities, Malakand’s property market could become more stable in the coming days.

Malakand: [Mansoor Ahmad District Coordinator ReNews Pakistan]
The real estate market in Malakand District is expanding rapidly, driven by affordable entry rates in developing hubs and the launch of organized housing schemes near major educational and transport corridors. Market activity is heavily concentrated around the University of Malakand (UOM) area and the strategic M1-Swat Motorway corridor.
A major highlight in the region is Chakdara University Town, an NOC-approved project where developers have officially opened pre-booking and plot acquisitions for 5 and 6 Marla residential cuts. Due to its legal clearance and planned infrastructure, the project is drawing significant attention from both local buyers and overseas investors.
Meanwhile, in Chakdara (Amirabad), constructed 5-Marla houses near the university remain highly sought after, serving as prime investment vehicles for student rentals and academic staff. In Batkhela, affordable residential options continue to thrive, with developing plots trading at highly competitive rates starting as low as PKR 200 per square foot.
In addition to residential growth, a sharp rise in commercial demand has been recorded. Investors are actively targeting smaller 2.66 Marla commercial chunks along main arteries to capitalize on the region's booming tourism and trade sectors, fueled by the Swat Motorway connectivity.