Transporters bemoan battered roads

The Chitral-Garam Chashma Road has been blocked by transporters who claim the pathway is little more than rubble.

The drivers hope to prove that the National Highway Authority (NHA), along with other relevant authorities, have ignored maintenance duties. They have announced that the strike will continue until their demands are met.

While speaking to the media, Qeemat Shah, a representative of the Lotkoh Development Forum, stated that since the Garam Chashma Road was handed over to the NHA, it has fallen into neglect.

"The road is in disrepair, resulting in daily accidents," he alleged. "A driver was critically injured in an accident and is currently undergoing treatment in Peshawar," the forum representative continued.

He mentioned that the administration had been given the deadline of December 12 to begin repair and maintenance work on the road from Chio Bridge to Garam Chashma.

"Water from nearby streams and channels is damaging the road further, and cleaning these channels to ensure proper drainage was part of our demands. However, despite repeated reminders and the set deadline, the NHA authorities, and the federal and provincial governments, have shown no response.

Shah added that after the deadline passed, the Drivers Union of Garam Chashma initiated a complete road blockade.

"This strike has garnered the support of the Traders Union of Garam Chashma, the Garam Chashma Development Forum, and the local population."

He stressed that this is a matter of human lives.

"The harsh winter season has already begun in Chitral, and snowfall during this period makes roads icy and treacherous. Crossing dilapidated bridges in such conditions is akin to inviting death. The strike will continue until their demands are fulfilled."