SHANGLA: Non-custom-paid (NCP) mini-jeeps of same colour and make are the most popular way of transportation in the Shangla district.

Potohar jeep, locally known as Paharo Ka Shahzada (prince of mountains) is the one and only popular way of transport in remote areas on rough and dilapidated roads.

It travels throughout the year whether it is snowfall or rain. One can always see it while plying on zigzag roads of the region.

Niamat Raheem, president of Ghorband mini-jeep transport body, says: “Over 2,000 vehicles of same colour and shape are running on roads of the district, becoming a source of income for unemployed people of the district.”

“These four-wheel drive vehicles are reliable comparatively to other means of transportation due to powerful engines and low consumption of fuel,” Raheem said, adding majority of these vehicles brought from Quetta, Chaman and Torkham were NCP. He said black colour was the genuine colour of the jeep and was liked by most local people.

Sar Basheed, a driver, told Dawn that he used to drive the jeep to far flung and mountainous areas in the district, earning a handsome income.

He said the local people liked the black coloured jeep as they also painted their houses black. He said the jeeps could easily move on the snowed and muddy tracks without using chains.

Dilawar Khan, another driver, said the jeep was also used for transporting foodstuff and other goods to the markets. However, the drivers urged the government to repair the dilapidated roads to make their travel easy.

SCHOOL DEMANDED: Students and elders of Shaw village have demanded establishment of a primary school in their locality.

Located near the Bisham city, the village comprising over 2,000 people is deprived of education facility. The residents said their children had to go to far off areas for getting education.

Shafiqur Rehman, a fifth grader, said he was studying in government primary school, Shang, which was six kilometres from his village.

Naveed Ahmed, seventh grader, said his school was situated about 10km away from his house. He said because of long distance, he reached school late and teachers punished him with heavy fines.

Aziz ur Rehman, an elder, said their girls were illiterate because there existed no school in the locality. Abdul Qadeem, a councillor, said the government should construct a primary school in the village.

When contacted, local MPA Mohammad Rashad Khan said he was trying his best to get a school approved for the village. He said PTI-led government chanted slogans about education emergency, but practically did nothing.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2017