PESHAWAR: Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa visited the under-construction Zalam Kot twin tube tunnel near Chakdara, Malakand, on Saturday.

In a statement, ISPR said the 1,300-metre-long twin tube tunnel as part of the Swat Motorway project would be completed by December, thus reducing the travel time between Islamabad and Chakdara from four hours to one hour and 45 minutes.

The 81km-long Swat Motorway forms part of the trade corridor and is being executed by Frontier Works Organisation.

The statement said the COAS appreciated quality work being undertaken by FWO.

He acknowledged FWO’s contributions towards nation building with many feathers in its cap, including the KKH. The army chief said the project would help bring socioeconomic development in Pakistan, which is key to progress and prosperity of any country.

DG FWO and Corps Commander Peshawar were also present during the visit.

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2018