Staff Correspondent
CHITRAL: Residents of Chitral have voiced support for the creation of a new province comprising the districts of Chitral Lower and Upper and Swat and Dir, calling the proposal a step toward better governance, balanced regional development and improved public service delivery.
Citizens said the establishment of smaller provinces or new administrative units had become necessary to address governance challenges and bring government institutions closer to the people.
They pointed out that Chitral is geographically one of the country’s largest districts and argued that combining Chitral with Swat and Dir into a separate province could improve administrative efficiency.
Residents said ordinary citizens currently face considerable difficulties in accessing the chief minister and other provincial authorities because of the existing administrative structure.
They maintained that smaller administrative units would make it easier for people to approach government officials and seek solutions to their problems.
According to the residents, a new province could have positive effects not only for the people of Chitral but also for the wider country by improving governance and strengthening local administration.
They further said a new administrative framework could help reduce the gap between citizens and state institutions while improving service delivery.
The residents described the creation of smaller provinces and administrative units as an important development in the broader national and local interest.