Up in arms: Imran told to take notice of ignorance towards Chitral

PPP leader urged residents to stand up for their rights

CHITRAL: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairperson Imran Khan has been urged to take notice of the fact that Chitral has been ignored in the provincial budget for 2016-17.

The request was put forward by Pakistan Peoples Party Chitral President Saleem Khan.

Speaking at a news conference at Chitral Press Club, Saleem threatened to hold protests against the members of the provincial government.

“The current budget has been prepared for Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Charsadda and Peshawar,” he said. “[This is distressing as] Chitral and adjoining districts have been badly affected by natural calamities. The government knows Chitral has suffered due to floods and needs funds. And yet, it has ignored the district.”

He said the provincial government had repeatedly turned a blind eye towards Chitral.

“After the 2015 floods, the federal government had allocated relief and rehabilitation for the district,” he said. “This shows that the federal government genuinely pays attention to this region. Unfortunately, the provincial government has completely neglected this part of the province.”

He urged the residents of Chitral to stand up for their rights.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 29^th, 2016.