Torkhow's rich natural resources can usher in new era of development

CHITRAL, Nov 3: Speakers at a workshop here said Torkhow has rich reserves of natural resources and if these natural assets were exploited properly the whole region can see a new era of development and prosperity. The two-day stakeholder workshop on “UC development plan” was organized by Upper Torkhow Development Network (UTDN) to discuss plans for sustainable development. The even was supported by the Institution Development Component of Hydropower and Renewable Energy project in collaboration with the AKRSP Chitral. The speakers said that the UTDN had been arranging training workshops on forest, livestock for farming in the area. Speaking on the occasion, PRI Chitral president Abdul Lateef stressed upon the participants to positively participate in every developmental work with commitment, dedication and the spirit of volunteerism. He said monopoly in politics should be eradicated and only honest, dedicated and committed people should be elected so that they can the people in a better way. He said the provincial government was introducing village council concept under which development would be started at the grassroots level to empower institutions. He said that Rs7 billion would be released to SRSP for different developmental schemes in Chitral. Educationist Javed Hayat briefed the participants on how to educate the citizens on participatory development. Mohammad Karam, the manager AKPBS, said we need awareness and sensitization for implementing different objectives. Professor Shamsun Nazir highlighted education and healthcare and termed them the main key of development. He said no nation can develop without modern education. Former MPA Saeed Ahmad and others also spoke on the occasion. Through a resolution the participants demanded early construction of the Torkhow road and provision of communication network in the most backward valley.]]>