Unjustified traffic halts at Lowari Tunnel trigger concerns

CHITRAL: The socio-political circles of Upper and Lower Chitral have expressed concerns over the National Highway Authority’s (NHA) decision to arbitrarily halt vehicular movement via the Lowari Tunnel without clear justification.

Renowned social activist and Wing Commander (retd) Fardad Ali Shah criticised the NHA for stopping two-way traffic inside the tunnel for hours without valid reasons. He said that the tunnel was specifically designed to accommodate two-way traffic, just like the Kohat Tunnel on the Indus Highway and the tunnels on the Swat Motorway, where traffic continues smoothly in both directions without interruption.

He said that a few years ago, a local court had ordered the NHA to allow 24/7 two-way traffic inside the tunnel, terming extended halts unnecessary and unjust. He pointed out that for the past year, two-way traffic had been operating without issues, but the officials concerned have reportedly imposed fresh restrictions without explanation.

A traveler, Gulzar Shah, arriving from Peshawar raised serious safety and health concerns, stating that allowing multiple vehicles to enter the tunnel in convoy formation leads to a buildup of toxic gases.