Despite multiple representatives, Chitral’s problems remain unsolved

CHITRAL: Though currently enjoys representation in all three legislative forums, yet the longstanding issues of both Upper and Lower Chitral remain unaddressed.

From the provincial assembly, Upper Chitral is represented by Deputy Speaker Suriya Bibi, while Lower Chitral has Fatehul Mulk Ali Naser serving as Chairman of the District Development Advisory Committee (DDAC). In the Senate, Falak Naz has been a member for the past three years. Both districts, however, have only one Member of the National Assembly (MNA), who, though facing political challenges, remains part of the house. All of these representatives are affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the ruling party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the past twelve years.

At the local government level, PTI chairmen hold positions in all four tehsils of Chitral. However, their performance is widely criticized as ineffective, with their tenure nearly over and little to show beyond drawing salaries - seen as a burden on the national exchequer.

In addition to PTI, Chitral has representation through other parties as well. Ghazala Anjum of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) secured a National Assembly seat on a reserved quota. Similarly, Khadija Bibi of the Awami National Party (ANP) and Arfa Bibi Akhunzada of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUIF) entered the provincial assembly on reserved seats, while Princess Nilofer Bibi of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) also occupies a reserved provincial seat.

Moreover, though not a native of Chitral, senior PPP leader Senator Talha Mahmood, who previously contested elections from the region, has raised Chitral’s concerns in his maiden Senate speech - a move seen as more proactive than the silence of many local representatives.