For the people: Rs300m approved for reconstructing Chitral’s infrastructure

Lowari Tunnel to be open for three days every fortnight.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister (CM) Pervez Khattak has agreed to keep Lowari Tunnel open for three days every fortnight. He also approved Rs300 million for the reconstruction and repair of Chitral’s transportation and other infrastructure.

The decision was announced at a review meeting on Tuesday on the rehabilitation of flood affected infrastructure at the CM Secretariat Peshawar. The decision to extend the tunnel’s hours has been taken to ensure the supply of essential commodities to the valley is not disrupted, added Khattak.

Of the Rs300 million approved for infrastructure work, Rs150 million will go to roads and bridges, and Rs150 million will be released to restore irrigation channels and construct protection walls.



The CM also underlined the need for the scientific exploration of mineral wealth in Chitral and utilising its derived income for welfare of residents. Khattak directed an inquiry be carried out to investigate all those who submitted exaggerated figures for flood related damages in the district.

Relevant authorities have been asked to resolve the issue of the transfer of PTDC motels and assets, and to release salaries pending to PTDC staff since the past 18 months. CM Khattak also directed the district administration to give preference to residents of Chitral in appointments in border police and levies.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 11^th, 2013.