Booni, March 27, 2026: A protest demonstration was held at Booni Chowk after Friday prayers against the proposed privatization of the headquarters Hospital Booni.
The protest was attended by representatives of various political parties and members of civil society. The event was hosted by Parvez Lal and presided over by Maulana Muhammad Yousaf, Ameer JUI Upper Chitral. Prominent speakers included Mukhtar Ahmad Sangeen, Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Upper Chitral Asad-ur-Rehman, former chairman Fazal-ur-Rehman and PPP leader Siraj Ali Khan Advocate.
Addressing the gathering, speakers warned the provincial government to immediately withdraw the proposed privatization plan. They stated that if their demands are not met, the protest movement will be expanded across Upper Chitral.
The speakers announced that if no satisfactory response is received by April 6, protests will be held in Mulkhow, Torkhow, and other areas, followed by a decisive demonstration in Booni.
Maulana Muhammad Yousaf criticized KP Assembly Deputy Speaker Suriya Bibi, stating that she cannot remain unaware of administrative mismanagement in Upper Chitral. He alleged that instead of contributing to the region’s development, certain actions have caused harm to public interests.
He also questioned the role of the District Health Officer (DHO), saying that keeping the public uninformed about such a major decision is unacceptable. Allegations of corruption and favoritism in disaster funds and the Ramazan relief package were also raised, with a warning that these issues will be included in future protests.