SHANDOOR, July 9: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Sunday reiterated his commitment to work for economic progress and development of tourism in Chitral and the Northern Areas and urged the people of the region to shun extremism and help the government in curbing terrorism.
He was speaking at a ceremony held to mark the conclusion of the three-day Shandoor Festival in the scenic polo ground in the foot-hills of Shandoor.
“I urge you no to let terrorism and extremism come into this area, because they affect progress. Stand up and be counted against the elements who want to spread the menace of terrorism and extremism,” the president said.
Amid applause, he announced the black-topping of the Gilgit-Chitral road and a bridge at Mastug. The road would come to Shandoor, he said, adding that the beauty of Shandoor Pass would be preserved.
President Musharraf spoke about his vision of the best means of communications for Chitral and the Northern Areas and said the Karakoram Highway would be widened and a road would be built to link Dir with Bajaur.
POLO MATCH: President Musharraf watched a polo match played between the teams of Gilgit and Chitral along with a large number of local and foreign tourists and diplomats and their families. The Chitral team defeated the Gilgit team by 9-7.
The president awarded trophy to the winner team and a cup to the runner-up team.—APP
