Chitralis protest against non-repair of roads, power outages

Irshadullah Khan

PESHAWAR: A protest demonstration was held in front of Peshawar Press Club on Saturday against the dilapidated condition of roads in Chitral, prolonged and unannounced loadshedding, illegal mining and other problems faced by the people of the valley. A similar demonstration was also arranged by civil society in Chitral town.

The protest demonstration in Peshawar was organized under the auspices of Tehreek Tahafuz Haqoq-e-Chitral and was led by its chairman Pir Mukhtar. 

Speaking on the occasion, Pir Mukhtar said people of Chitral were facing severe problems in transportation due to the dilapidated roads in both upper and lower districts of Chitral.

He said despite claims made by former provincial government of Tehreek-i-Insaaf and the federal government, attention was not being paid to improving the road system in Chitral while loadshedding had also become a major issue.

He added that illegal mining in Chitral and leasing of mine sites to non-locals had affected the property rights of the local people. He said immediate attention should be given to solving the longstanding demands of the people of Chitral otherwise they would launch a movement for their rights.