CHITRAL is the largest and one of the farthest districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa having poor communication and infrastructure. Contrary to the prevailing security situation in the country in general and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in particular, this district has remained distinctively peaceful owing to its awareness of the outlawed outfits and organisations.

The commencement of the Lowari tunnel project has revived the hope for year round access of Chitral to other parts of the country. But when needed, the Lowari tunnel remains closed.

The same is happening this winter as well. Owing to heavy snowfall, the Lowari pass was blocked and hundreds of passengers bound from or to Chitral got stuck there. The hardships faced by them were immense.

The inept and apathetic government despite protests did not stop the project work in the tunnel to open it for public transport. The passengers had to suffer for 24 to 72 hours in extreme cold. These passengers also included many patients, women, elderly people and children.

I appeal to the government to ensure that the Lowari tunnel is made available for passengers and essential goods are transported in case the Lowari pass is blocked because of snowfall.

Khoda Bakhsh
Chitral

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2015