CHITRAL: Provincial Local Government Minister Inayatullah Khan has asked the political leadership of the three districts of Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir to jointly raise voice for linking the districts with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor route.

Addressing the newly elected members of zilla, tehsil and village councils here on Sunday, he said that the geographical location and proximity of the region to China warranted the route to be used in emergencies.

He said that situated on the gateway to Central Asia, the three districts could play a crucial role in boosting economic and trade activities between Pakistan and CARs.

“This is the right time for the people to press for linking the three districts with the corridor route which will bring the backward areas on a par with the developed regions,” he said and asked the regional leaders to shun their political differences for the purpose.

Inayatullah Khan said that the idea had already been floated by JI chief Senator Sirajul Haq in the all parties meeting convened by the prime minister.

Regarding the local bodies system put in place in the province, the minister said that it had assured political, administrative and financial autonomy to the smaller units for the first time. He said that the local bodies would be strengthened financially and the decentralisation of powers would make them vibrant entities solving the problems of people at their doorsteps.

Mr Khan said that Chitral had tremendous potential of hydro power generation, mines and minerals and tourism, which would get exploited with the installation of the local government.

He asked the members of local bodies to avoid political confrontation which he added stopped development process.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2015

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