CHITRAL: Residents of the three Kalash valleys here have demanded of the government to start work on a dilapidated British-era road within a month, failing which they will have no option but to start a long march on Islamabad and stage a sit-in outside the Parliament House.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, the leaders of Kalash-Muslim Defence Council (KMDC), including Jamila Khatoon, Abdul Majeed Qureshi, Wajeehuddin, Jandula Saleh Nizam and others complained the tendering process for the road construction was completed four years ago, but work had yet to start on it.

They said during Eid and Malah festivals, the situation turned worst due to influx of tourists. They said land acquisition for the road’s expansion was the only hurdle, and asked the provincial government to ensure early release of the announced Rs2 billion for the purpose.

The KMDC members castigated special assistant to chief minister Wazirzada for touring different parts of the district and announcing development projects there, but ignoring his native valleys.

The leaders of various political parties except PTI were present on the occasion and expressed solidarity with the residents of Kalash valleys.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2021