SHANGLA: A suspension bridge on the Indus River was damaged in a recent windstorm here, disconnecting Jatkool village council of Chakesar tehsil from Thakot bazaar.

The people of Jatkool using this bridge would bring foodstuff and other daily use commodities from Thakot bazaar.

The wooden bridge was built by the government after 2010 flash floods, but it had now become dangerous for travel though it was repaired by local people on self-help basis several times.

Attaur Rehman, a resident, said the district administration had already declared the bridge dangerous for travel due to its bad condition, but the area people would use it as they had no alternative route for crossing the Indus River to bring daily use commodities from Thakoot bazaar.

“We requested the local MPA and MNA for repair of the bridge, but they said they are on opposition benches and don’t have funds,” he said. He added that there was no alternative route to reach the markets even in Chakesar tehsil headquarters and district headquarters.

Qari Saaduddin, former district councillor from Sarkool UC, said the bridge was in disrepair and needed change of planks, steel sheets and rope which were damaged over the years.

He said that he had included repair of the bridge in his ADP schemes in his tenure, but unfortunately the government did not provide funds for the same. He said the bridge now awaited government’s attention for its repair and opening.

The local people have demanded of the district administration to repair the bridge as soon possible to facilitate the people.

SUICIDE: A young man in Chelai area of Karora allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself with a pistol.

Police said, Gul Mukhtyar, 19, allegedly shot himself inside his house and died on the spot. They have started investigations.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2020