ISLAMABAD, Jan 4; Civil society should join hands with the government to ameliorate communication-related problems of Chitral which paralyse life in the district due to the closure of the Lowari Pass in winter.

This was stated by Wg Cdr (retired) Fardad Ali Shah at a sports function organised by Chitrali youth here on Thursday.

Col (retired) Khushwaqt-ul-Mulk, one of the few surviving graduates of the Dehra Dun Academy, was the guest of honour on the occasion. Besides other assignments, the 94-year-old army veteran has the honour to command the East Pakistan Rifles in the early 1960s.

Commander Fardad said every winter people in Chitral lived a miserable and minimal life, cut off from rest of the country and deprived of all basic necessities of life. It is time we change our fate, he said.

The former fighter pilot, who is a strong contender for the only MNA seat of Chitral in the forthcoming elections, said people should fulfil their moral obligations by electing honest, sincere and competent representatives to bring longlasting socio-economic changes in the area.

He stressed the need to further accelerate the momentum of political awareness in the area through various means of communication, so that people could become aware of their basic rights.

The colourful programme was attended by prominent Chitralis living in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. A football match on the occasion was won by Bharakahu team beating FC team by three goals to one.

The programme was followed by a victory dance by the winning team, which is part of Chitrali culture.