Revocation of non-locals’ appointments in Damel demanded

Irshadullah Khan

PESHAWAR: The residents of Damel valley in Lower Chitral staged a protest against the appointment of non-local individuals at the dispensary in their area and later at a press conference demanded immediate action by the concerned authorities.

The protesters warned that if their demands were not met, the protest would intensify, and the authorities would bear full responsibility for any consequences.

During the press conference at Peshawar Press Club, President of Damel Welfare Society Ismatullah Dameli, along with Haji Sultan, Councilor Khista Muhammad, and Muhammad Akram, stated that in a recent appointment local candidates were ignored, and a non-local individual was appointed to the position of water boy. They termed this action an injustice to the community.

They said that previously, three positions, including male and female staff at the dispensary, had also been filled by non-locals, causing widespread anger among the locals.

They appealed to the chief minister and governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and senior officials of the health department to revoke these decisions and appoint a local individual. The residents said they would continue to raise their voices for their rights and would not end their protest until their demands were fulfilled.

It may be noted that people of Chitral have been protesting against appointment of non-locals on Class IV posts in health units for many years. They say these posts are sold by government functionaries instead of giving them to local people.