PESHAWAR: Jamaat-i-Islami provincial emir Mushtaq Ahmed Khan has expressed concern over ban on entry of trucks into Lowari tunnel, saying shortage of goods and food items has led to increase in price of essential commodities in the earthquake-hit areas of Chitral district.

He urged the government to ensure supply of ration and other necessary items to Chitral through Lowari tunnel otherwise starvation-like situation might arise there. Supply through small trucks could not cater to the need of the local people unless trucks were allowed to reach the Chitral city, he added.

Addressing a news conference at Peshawar Press Club on Thursday, the JI leader, accompanied by former MNA Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali, said that the people of Chitral were already facing multiple problems due to earthquake and floods and shortage of food items further worsened the situation.

JI leader says trucks should be allowed to pass through Lowari tunnel

“Prices of food and non-food items have been increased manifold and it is need of the hour to open Lowari tunnel at least for two days on Sunday and Wednesday so that daily use items can be supplied to the people,” said Mr Khan.

The JI leader said that 95 per cent population of Chitral was affected by the recent floods and earthquake. Most of the families were living in temporary shelters, he added.

Mr Khan said that the people affected by natural disasters could not afford hike in prices of daily use items. He asked the government to allow truckers to Chitral otherwise shortage of food items would worsen and entire responsibility would rest with the relevant officials.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Akbar Chitrali said small trucks were allowed through Lowari tunnel but those could not transport the required goods and food items. He stressed the need for reconstruction of houses, irrigation channels and markets so that the displaced families could be rehabilitated at the earliest.

Mr Chitrali also demanded proper compensation for the affected people and said that with advent of winter season their problems were increased.

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2015