Sustainable development not possible without women

The development experts, including former head of the AKRSP Shoaib Sultan Khan, reached Pavur village in a helicopter and held an informal meeting with the local people, including women, for more than two hours. During the session, the development experts explained how women can contribute to the development of the area. They also stressed the need for the formation of a women local support organization (LSO) to get financial backing from donors. However, at the same time, the experts said always looking towards others for donations and financial support was not the key to sustainable development. They asked the people to try to stand on their own feet instead of waiting for others, including the government, to come and change their standard of life. The participants on the occasion also discussed the changes in the socio-economic conditions of the people since the early 1980s when the AKRS first came to Chitral. In his welcome address, former DEO Chitral Sher Wali Khan Aseer highlighted the issues of the backward Yarkhun valley. The issues included the absence of proper roads, drinking water and lack of access to the market for the products of the area especially fruits.]]>