PESHAWAR: Chief secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry on Tuesday instructed the communications and works department to expedite the restoration of flood-hit roads in Chitral and Kumrat Valley of Upper Dir.

He issued the directives while chairing a meeting held here.

“These areas have been significantly affected by recent Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (Glof),” he said.

The chief secretary underscored the urgency of completing the restoration work before the onset of winter, ensuring that communities in these valleys remained connected through restored roadways.

He commended the district administrations, Rescue 1122 and the line departments for their swift rescue and relief efforts to support the affected communities and tourists.

The chief secretary also directed the district administrations to develop a comprehensive plan for the rehabilitation or relocation of households affected in Upper and Lower Chitral districts.

Mr Chaudhry also highlighted the need to address the educational demands of local communities in Upper Chitral, particularly regarding girls higher education. Citing his recent visit to Upper and Lower Chitral, he acknowledged the communities’ demands for better educational facilities for girls.

The chief secretary directed the elementary and higher education departments to devise a plan for providing hostel facilities for girls in proximity to the colleges in the district. “This initiative will enable girls from remote areas to pursue higher education.”

The chief secretary emphasised that similar plans should be rolled out across other rural areas of the province.

Moreover, he instructed the elementary and secondary education and industry, commerce and technical education departments to develop and finalise plans for skill development among school graduates.

“The initiative should ensure the optimal use of school infrastructure across the province, aiming to equip every student with at least one vocational skill upon graduation,” he said.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2024