UPPER DIR: The main Usheri Dara road of Upper Dir district is in a dilapidated condition since long, creating difficulties for the residents and the tourists coming to the scenic valley.

The residents said that thousands of people of the valley had been using this broken road, but the elected representatives from the constituency never cared to get funds approved for its repair. The Usheri Dara valley has several scenic places like Laamchar and Saidgai Lake being visited by tourists.

Waheedullah, a resident of Usheri Dara, said that owing to bad condition of the road it took hours to cover a few kilometres on it, multiplying sufferings of commuters, especially patients being transported through this road.

Another resident said that transporters charged double fare from them.

Noor Zamin, a driver, said that the road was unfit for use and a major chunk of their income was spent on repair of their vehicles.

Shahid Khan, a tourist from Peshawar who visited Laamchar, praised the beauty of tourist spots in the valley, but said that he and his friends got very tired and felt pain in the body after travelling through the broken road.

Residents of Usheri Dara have demanded of the elected representatives from the area and the provincial government to immediately repair the Usheri Dara road to end their difficulties and promote tourism in the area.

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2016