Delay in release of funds for Chitral projects slammed

CHITRAL Chitral Development Movement (CDM) former president and social activist Waqas Ahmed advocate on Thursday expressed serious concern over the federal government’s decision to delay funding for several key road infrastructure projects in the district during the upcoming fiscal year.

Talking to reporters here, he stated that the move had caused frustration and disappointment among the people of Chitral.Waqas Ahmed cited reliable sources claiming that the recent National Economic Council (NEC) meeting did not allocate any funds for the construction of the Lowari Tunnel approach roads and the Booni-Bozund Road in Upper Chitral. Moreover, he said, a meager sum of only Rs150 million has been earmarked for the Chitral-Shandur Road.

He went on to add that no construction work would be carried out this year on the Garam Chashma and Bamboret roads, both vital for promotion of tourism.“The people of Chitral had pinned their hopes on the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government, expecting substantial funding for ongoing infrastructure projects,” he said. “Unfortunately, these hopes have been shattered.”

Waqas Ahmed urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal and other officials concerned to understand the unique geographical and developmental challenges faced by Chitral.