Karim Ullah | Chitral Today
BOONI: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Upper Chitral chapter has strongly criticized Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) for allegedly attempting to derail key development projects in the district through political agitation and disruptive tactics.
In a joint press conference held at the Upper Chitral Press Club, PML-N leaders including General Secretary Prince Sultanul Mulk, Parvez Ahmed Lal, Salamat Khan, Javed Lal, and Zakir Muhammad Zakhmi, accused Jamaat-e-Islami of playing a negative role whenever significant progress is made on public development schemes.
“Whenever federal-level funding is secured and implementation begins on major infrastructure projects, Jamaat-e-Islami resorts to press conferences, protest threats, and All Parties Conferences to create unnecessary hurdles,” said Prince Sultanul Mulk.
The PML-N leaders pointed out that from 2018 to 2023, JI’s MNA Molana Abdul Akbar, despite enjoying a strong mandate, failed to deliver any substantial project for Chitral – neither under the PTI federal government nor during the PDM era. “During his tenure, no voice was raised on electricity shortages or the dilapidated condition of roads. Now that the current federal government is taking genuine steps to resolve such issues, JI is again resorting to political point scoring,” they added.
They revealed that the federal government has already released Rs620 million for Phase-I of the Chitral-Booni-Shandur Road, with an additional Rs620 million expected in the upcoming budget. \”This is not the time for agitation. Serious work is underway, and Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission has visited Chitral and submitted a comprehensive report on ongoing projects.\”
The PML-N leadership accused Jamaat-e-Islami of hiding its own failures. “Projects like Khot Road, Booni Gol Road, Kosht Road, Lot Owir Road, and Terich Road were initiated using Abdul Akbar’s discretionary funds through Pak PWD. Yet, less than 20% of work has been completed. Why was JI silent then?” they questioned.
They demanded that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) conduct a thorough investigation into these allegedly mismanaged and incomplete projects, asserting that the misused public funds must be accounted for.
The leaders also highlighted that landmark projects such as Lowari Tunnel, Golen Power Project, Chitral University, gas plant, optic fiber connectivity, and various roads were all made possible due to PML-N leadership, especially during the tenures of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and current PM Shahbaz Sharif.
They also credited MPA Ghazala Anjum for her efforts in bringing the Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission to Chitral and for pushing the completion of the Chitral-Shandur Road up to Booni by the end of August.
Taking a swipe at PTI, the PML-N leaders said despite having complete control in KP for over 13 years, the party failed to execute even a minor culvert in Chitral. “Instead of development, PTI\’s time has been spent in internal infighting, blame games, and allegations of corruption,” they said.
They also condemned the recent movement under the TTRF banner that, according to them, insulted MPA Ghazala Anjum in public gatherings instead of seeking solutions through democratic channels.
The press conference concluded with a call for accountability of corrupt officials in C&W and RDD departments, urging NAB to take immediate action and recover embezzled public funds.