Billions allocated for development of Chitral: minister

PESHAWAR: An amount of Rs15.75 billion has been allocated for the construction of Chitral-Shandur road while funds amounting to billions of rupees have also been set aside for construction of 15 polo grounds and other projects in Chitral.

This was stated by KP information minister Shaukat Yousufzai while speaking at a function “Chitral culture and kaphol day” held at Archives and Public Library in Peshawar.

The minister said Chitral was very significant due to its location and potentials for tourism. He said nations that promoted their cultures and traditions never decayed. Wherever Chitralis live, it is their distinction that they keep their culture alive.

He said in the past governments did nothing for development of the tourism potentials of Chitral. He said the PTI government was making all-out efforts to promote tourism all over the country and Chitral was one of the tourism attraction spots.

He said the PTI government had approved Rs3 billion for tourism promotion in Chitral, Rs370 million for beautification of Chitral, Rs4 billion for development of Kalash valleys, Rs15.75 billion for Chitral-Shandur road and other projects to promote the game of polo and construction of polo grounds.

The minister said in order to promote the Khowar language, the Pakhtunkhwa Radio would arrange two instead of one weekly programmes while Pakistan Television would also allocate time to the Chitrali language.