CHITRAL: In a public jirga held in Chitral, local leaders and civil society representatives discussed pressing regional issues including the repatriation of Afghan refugees, the delay in development projects, transparency in the Ramazan package distribution, and maintaining law and order.
Deputy Commissioner Mohsin Iqbal and District Police Officer Iftikhar Shah provided key responses to public concerns, outlining steps to ensure transparency and enhanced security in the region.
The jirga, organized by the district administration of Lower Chitral, aimed to foster collaboration among stakeholders, address public concerns, and ensure that the local government is responsive to community needs.
Speakers at the gathering highlighted the growing poverty in the region, coupled with governance challenges, and the increasing risk posed by Chitral\’s long and porous border with Afghanistan. The deteriorating socioeconomic situation, they argued, threatens the district’s long-standing peace and stability.
\”Chitral has always been a peaceful region, but its proximity to Afghanistan makes it vulnerable to security threats,\” said one of the speakers. They stressed the need for more focused development efforts and a renewed commitment to maintaining the district’s peace.
The delay in completing critical development projects, especially roads and the rehabilitation of infrastructure damaged by floods, was a focal point of criticism. The participants urged the district administration to ensure that these projects are completed efficiently, with a focus on quality and timely delivery.
Another pressing issue discussed was the Ramazan relief package, which has sparked concerns regarding transparency. Many raised doubts about the process of identifying eligible recipients, calling for greater clarity in the selection criteria.
In response, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohsin Iqbal assured the audience that a full list of Ramazan package beneficiaries would be made public shortly, ensuring transparency in the distribution process.
On the repatriation of Afghan refugees, Iqbal confirmed that facilities would be provided for their return, in line with the government’s policy. He stated that Levies personnel would be deployed at the three major border crossing points — Arandu, Arsoon, and Shishi Koh — to strengthen border security.
DPO Iftikhar Shah said reducing police checkpoints was not advisable under the current security conditions. He called for public cooperation in assisting police operations, particularly at checkpoints. He reassured the community that joint operations with Chitral Scouts would continue in border areas to address any potential militant threats.
The DC added that efforts are underway to expedite development work in the region, with a focus on both quality and speed. Close coordination with relevant government departments is in place to ensure that projects move forward efficiently.
