LOWER DIR: A group of professionals from different walks of life on Sunday announced to push for construction of Dir motorway, establishment of Panjkora tehsil, making functional the Timergara Medical College and developing the region’s tourism sector to generate livelihood for residents.

Dir Think Tank (DTT) members made the announcement during a discussion held with its chief Rahim Shah Akhunkhel in the chair.

The group members, including former deputy commissioner Zubair Niazi, Sheikh Abdul Wahab, social activist Akbar Khan, former tehsil nazim Riaz Mohammad, Dr Nadeem Sheikh, Fayyaz Ali Shah, Faheem Shah, Maulana Ubaidullah Anwar and others also discussed projects like the establishment of Dir division, University of Dir and upgradation of the District Headquarters Hospital to a teaching hospital.

DTT is represented by a total of 51 members, including development professionals, academia, industrialists, economists, sociologists, health experts, communication specialists, businessmen, educationists and journalists, all hailing from Lower and Upper Dir districts.

Think tank calls for making medical college functional

“Dir Motorway can be a game changer for the area and its tourism sector,” former DC Mr Niazi said.

He suggested the forum should discuss the issues with MNAs and MPAs from both the districts.

Highlighting the think tank’s modus of operandi, Mr Akhunkhel said the organisation advocated regional development through research, highlighting needs and solutions and guiding local lawmakers in shaping policies and monitoring practical initiatives.

The forum agreed to send a delegation to meet the pecial assistant to chief minister on welfare and development, MPA Malik Liaqat Ali to apprise him about the proposed development projects in the district.

Mr Niazi suggested mediapersons, video bloggers and social media activists should be given a tour to project the unexplored tourist spots in the region for tourism development as it was a fast growing industry that would strengthen local economy and peace-building initiatives.

Former tehsil nazim Riaz Mohammad was tasked with getting information from the deputy commissioner’s office regarding the construction of a separate graveyard for Christian community.

DTT chief Rahim Shah informed the forum that the issues of Dir Motorway and establishment of Dir division comprising Lower and Upper Dir, Lower and Upper Chitral and Bajaur districts, had been prioritised. He said PTI MNA Sahibzada Sibghatullah from Upper Dir had assured of his support.

Akbar Khan, another member of the group, said the area was surrounded by lush green mountains and had attractive waterfalls and tourist spots, but it lacked well-carpeted roads to access these areas. He said the construction of Dir Motorway would go a long way in attracting both national and international tourists.

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2024