Joint efforts pledged for development of Chitral

CHITRAL: In a rare display of political unity, leaders belonging to major political parties in Lower Chitral on Friday pledged unity for the development of the area, particularly focusing on the timely and quality completion of key road infrastructure projects.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Fazal Rabbi Jan, president of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Lower Chitral, former provincial minister Saleem Khan of PPP, Abdul Wali Khan of PMLN, Wajihuddin of Jamaat-e-Islami, Maulana Abdul Shakoor of and ANP’s Eidul Hussain said that all major political leaders in the district were now united in the interest of Chitral’s prosperity. “There is a complete harmony among political forces regarding the construction of important road projects, including the Shandur Road, Garam Chashma Road, Lowari Tunnel Approach Road and Kalash valleys Road,” said Fazal Rabbi Jan.

The leaders expressed their collective gratitude to the federal government for facilitating a recent visit to Chitral by chairman of the Prime Minister’s Inspection Team, Brigadier (retd) Ranjha.

The leaders announced the formation of a joint monitoring committee representing all political parties, which will oversee the progress of ongoing road projects on a daily basis. They stressed that there would be no compromise on quality or pace, especially concerning the critical Shandur Road, urging Brigadier (retd) Ranjha to ensure the road’s completion up to Booni by September 2025.

Fazal Rabbi Jan also responded to questions regarding PTI’s absence from the united platform, stating that despite multiple invitations, the party’s local leadership chose not to participate. He added that in the event of PTI MNA Abdul Latif being disqualified by the court, all parties on this platform are in agreement to field a joint candidate in any potential by-election.

Former minister Saleem Khan criticized the PTI-led provincial government for excluding Chitral from developmental allocations in the current budget, pointing out that not a single project from the Annual Development Programme (ADP) was allotted to either Lower or Upper Chitral.

Maulana Abdul Shakoor emphasized the need for the district administration to remain on high alert in light of potential monsoon rains and floods, and called for efficient relief measures for affected citizens.

Abdul Wali Khan Advocate thanked the prime minister for restarting road projects initially launched by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. He pledged that progress reports on Shandur Road would be regularly submitted to the Prime Minister’s Inspection Team.

Eidul Hussain termed the political unity a hopeful sign for the region’s future.