Swat Hathi-lar heritage site: activists seek halt to quarrying

Activists and archaeologists say daily blasting cuts rock close to the motorway's longest tunnel, while the Malakand commissioner has promised action.

Activists and archaeologists warn that quarrying and blasting near the Swat Motorway tunnel could cause serious damage.

The archaeology department raised the matter with the Malakand deputy commissioner last August.

A gas pipeline serving the whole of Malakand Division could be cut off if vibrations damaged it.

The Malakand commissioner, Iqbal Hussain, has promised action and passed instructions to the district's deputy commissioner.

The Khyber Path project plans a 125km heritage tourism trail along the motorway.

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