Protesting: Wrecked roads become permanent feature for Kalash

Councillor says dilapidated routes will be inconvenient for Chilam Joshi festival

CHITRAL: Residents of Kalash Valley took to the streets on Tuesday after the provincial government failed to repair dilapidated roads in various parts of Chitral.

Following excessive flooding between 2013 and 2015, the roads in Kalash and many areas of Chitral have been damaged. The provincial government has not started reconstruction work even though it has repeatedly claimed a series of development schemes have been introduced.

During the demonstration, locals slammed the provincial government for neglecting development in Chitral.

Morek, one of the protesters, told The Express Tribune travel woes have increased ever since the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government seized the reins. “We are forced to walk for several miles,” he said. “The roads are unpaved. Some roads in Kalash Valley and Bumboret have been closed as they are flooded with water.”

Millat Gul, a local government councillor, expressed her disappointment over the government’s conduct as no development has been initiated.

“The Chilam Joshi festival will be held in Kalash Valley in May,” she said. “There is a strong possibility the roads of this area will be closed as they are in a dilapidated condition.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 30^th,  2016.