Peshawar-Torkhum Highway project under review: USAID

The USAID told ‘The News’ that the environmental examination of Peshawar–Torkham Highway project is currently under review, as there are apprehensions about the protection of all the heritage sites that are located between the two cities. The USAID emphasised that the project will not affect cultural or religious monuments, or archaeological/paleontological resources. Recently, a Pak-US agreement was signed to construct a Highway through the Khyber Pass which will link Peshawar and Torkham and work is expected to be completed in two years. The USAID is funding the project. When asked if the USAID was keeping in mind the vital aspect of protecting all heritage sites , an official at the USAID responded, “All infrastructure projects funded by the USAID that have the potential for adverse environmental and social effects undergo an environmental examination which includes consideration of any potential impact on cultural resources (archaeological, paleontological, historical, cultural, landmark). No USAID funds are disbursed for the project until the required environmental analysis is completed and is approved by USAID.” The Peshawar–Torkham highway rehabilitation project is a government of Pakistan project being implemented by the Fata Secretariat. “USAID is providing funds for the project to further economic assistance goals through a cost-reimbursement agreement with the Fata Secretariat”, said the official. The site visits to collect baseline data took place in September 2012, and the initial results show that the project will not affect cultural or religious monuments, or archaeological/paleontological resources. “While welcoming this development, nobody can deny the importance of a trade route, but we have witnessed that whenever a developmental project of this magnitude is undertaken, heritage sites become the first casualty in our part of the world. We have to ensure that heritage safeguards are incorporated in the project. Khyber Pass is one of the world’s wonders. We cannot afford to let it get disfigured permanently. The project needs to go ahead but it must be mindful of the heritage aspect, and aesthetics of this ancient caravan route”, says Ali Jan, formally consultant with the Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and associated with the Sarhad Conservation Network. Of importance is not only the fact that the Highway is constructed but also that safeguards are in place to protect the heritage, environment and aesthetics of the historic Khyber Pass, when it is implemented. Of late destruction by militants has robbed Pakhtunkhwa of many protected heritage sites.