ABBOTTABAD: The Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation has closed down the Radio Pakistan’s Abbottabad centre and decided to turn the facility into a relay centre.

A circular issued by the PBC on May 7, 2019, had announced the closure of Mithi, Bhitshah, Sargodha and Abbottabad radio stations in line with a decision of the March 20, 2019, meeting.

However, the PBC board later removed Mithi and Bhitshah radio stations from the list citing their strategic and cultural importance as a reason.

The residents, especially artists and writers, flayed the move saying the Abbottabad radio station not only entertained them and the residents of Hazara division and adjoining areas but also promoted the local culture.

They demanded the reopening of the radio station.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Hazara division Zaheerul Islam has set one week deadline for the National Highway Authority and other executing agencies to prepare PC-I of the project for connecting Abbottabad and Naran with the Hazara Motorway.

The commissioner was chairing a high-level meeting at his office the other day.

He ordered the resolution of traffic issues of Abbottabad city.

He said two interchanges would be built to link Abbottabad city with the motorway to facilitate tourists.

Mr Zaheer said the chief minister, who was to approve the PC-I, took keen interest in promotion of tourism in the province.

He said efforts would be made to ensure completion of work on the initiative in the next fiscal year.

Published in Dawn, May 12th, 2019