CHITRAL, Dec 16: A sub-valley of Garam Chashma has been linked to other parts of the district by construction of a road for the first time. The road to Cherwell area situated on top of a mountain was built by the residents of the area through a piece of land donated by Shahzada Amanur Rehman, a notable of Chitral.
Some 8,000 people live in this area and they remained locked in their scattered villages even in the 21st century. The area dwellers had to carry their patients and dead bodies on their shoulders or cots in case of emergency. The residents of the area while talking to this correspondent expressed jubilation over the construction of the road. It may be noted that the road was built on a self-help basis as no government funding was involved in the project. A function was held in this regard under the chairmanship of Shahzada Amanur Rehman in one of the village. The speakers on the occasion thanked Amanur Rehman for donating his land for the link road and termed it a milestone in the development of the valley.
A female student told chitraltoday.net that without the people of the valley, especially women, were facing great problems. In case of any emergency, women patients were facing more problems. During the function, the cheerful residents of the area presented traditional gifts to the chief guest and other notables of the area. Khateeb Molvi Rehmat Hussain said construction of a road was Sadqa Jaria (continuing charity) and we should follow this good example by donating our lands for the construction of roads.
Speaking on the occasion, Shahzada Amanur Rehman said his forefathers also served the people and his family and he would continue the tradition of community welfare works. He stressed upon the local people to strengthen their unity and work together for development of their area. Because, he added, it is only dedication, commitment and devotion through which we can eradicate poverty and backwardness and ensure development. Others who spoke on the occasion included Mohammad Wali, Abdul Mohammad, the principal of Govt. Higher Secondary School
Garam Chashma, Mohammad Hussain, Islamuddin, the principal of Pamir Degree College and Rehmat Hussain. A large number of people belonging to all walks of life participated in opening ceremony of the road.]]>
