BOONI: In a joint press conference held in Booni, representatives of various political parties expressed serious concern over the lack of basic health facilities at the District Headquarters Hospital Booni, and the ongoing delay in the construction of the Chitral-Shandur Road.
They noted that despite being the only hospital in Upper Chitral serving a population of nearly 500,000, Booni hospital remains critically under-equipped.
Shujauddin Lal, Deputy Secretary Jamaat-e-Islami Upper Chitral, strongly criticized the provincial government for its failure to appoint even a single female doctor, calling it a disgrace for a government that claims to champion justice.
“Every few months, a new notification is issued, but nothing changes on the ground. The people are being mocked,” he said. “If this continues, the public will be forced to lock the so-called district headquarters hospital.”
Asadur Rehman, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Upper Chitral, emphasized the hospital’s deteriorating condition, stating that the lack of essential services had made life miserable for patients and their families.
“This reflects the sheer incompetence of the provincial authorities,” he remarked.
Turning to infrastructure, all party leaders collectively condemned the repeated delays in the Chitral-Booni-Shandur Road project. They warned the federal government that if the work is not expedited, a widespread protest movement would be launched.
“This road is of strategic importance and vital for regional development. Continuous delays are intolerable,” Rehman added.
Shah Wazir Lal, Senior Vice President of ANP Upper Chitral, urged both federal and provincial governments to take these two pressing issues seriously.
“If the authorities remain indifferent, the public will have no choice but to take to the streets,” he warned.
Maulana Fidaur Rehman, General Secretary of JUI Upper Chitral, reminded the government of its commitment to complete the road by the end of this year and demanded adherence to the promised timeline.
Former Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Maulana Javed Hussain briefed the press on the limited progress made so far and appealed to all political forces to unite in the broader interest of the region.
Afzal Qabad, Senior Vice President of PPP Upper Chitral, called on the federal commission responsible for the road project to stop making hollow announcements and ensure visible progress on the ground.
The joint press conference concluded with a unanimous demand for immediate action, stressing that the patience of the people of Upper Chitral is wearing thin.
From where they appear and repeat stereotypical demands that are not going to get resolved anytime soon. And the threat of protest. Upper Chitral especially Booni have too many other issues facing the masses like shortage of drinking water. Why don’t you people talk about them.