'Fata Grand Alliance', a recently constituted body comprising tribesmen from all tribal agencies, has asked the federal government to stop payment of profit hydropower generated by the power house of Warsak Dam to the provincial government of NWFP.
"The dam is situated in tribal area of Khyber Agency, therefore its benefit instead of giving to NWFP should be extended to them," a member of the 'Fata Grand Alliance', Taj Mahal Afridi, advocate, told Business Recorder here on Friday.
He said that after the establishment of separate province of tribal areas, such kind of projects would be the property of tribesmen. "The dam would ultimately be part of the newly proposed shape of the tribal belt after demarcation of the boundaries with the NWFP," he added.
NWFP receives Rs 1 billion every year as profit of hydel power, from Wapda. Wapda has already included Warsak Dam in the map of Khyber Agency and has invited objections over it by June 16. The provincial government outrightly rejected the contentions of Wapda and termed it a 'conspiracy' to deprive the province of the share in the profit on hydropower generation.
The 'Fata Grand Alliance' has also hinted at moving judiciary in this regard. "If the situation remains the same then we will have no other option than challenging the matter in courts," Taj Mahal added.
Meanwhile, addressing a press conference Abdul Karim Mehsood, advocate, convenor of 'Fata Grand Alliance', said that the purpose of establishment of the body was restoration of peace in Fata and maintenance of unity among the tribesmen. He said that they are not against any political party or religious group. He said that the alliance would become instrumental for the promotion of governmental agenda in the region.