Chitral, Sept 8, 2025: A jirga in Ayun issued a strong warning to the authorities, demanding immediate completion of the Ayun-Kalash Valleys Road launched years ago.
Participants said they would not accept further delays. They declared that the people’s patience had run out and any strong reaction would be the responsibility of the NHA and the contractor.
The jirga, held at the Ayun Village Council office under the banner of Ayun Ittehad Council, brought together political, social, and religious leaders. Former PTI president Muhammad Jinnah Lal presided the gathering. CDM Chairman Shabir Ahmed, Vice President Liaqat Ali, Advocate Syed Burhan Shah, religious scholars, and local party leaders attended.
Speakers called the road a lifeline. They said it was crucial for Pakistan’s economic, political, cultural, and tourism interests. They demanded the urgent completion of Section-I according to the existing design. They stressed that no new design was required and that the road must be handed over to the public without delay.
Ayun Ittehad Council president and VC-1 Chairman Wajihuddin condemned the repeated delays. He said the people of Ayun had already shown patience. He warned that the NHA and the contractor would bear full responsibility if frustration led to unrest.
Other political party representatives echoed this stance. They said the government must act before public reaction grows stronger. They insisted that fulfilling the promise of this road project was the state’s obligation.
CDM leaders outlined their legal struggle. Advocate Syed Burhan Shah said CDM had filed petitions in court about road projects across Chitral.
He said the NHA and its contractor considered CDM an opponent because of this. He informed participants that the next court hearing would be on September 12. He said the court had asked the NHA to submit a performance report, and CDM would review it before announcing its next plan.
Vice President Liaqat Ali built on this. He said if the report proved unsatisfactory, CDM would rely on the people of Ayun. He emphasized that their support was essential for the next step. He expressed confidence that locals would join without hesitation.
Muhammad Jinnah Lal closed the jirga with a fiery speech. He reminded the audience of the proud history of Ayun’s people. He said authorities must not push them against the wall. He said their fight was for the survival of the state.
He said they defended the country’s military, political, cultural, social, tourism, and economic development. He described the Ayun-Kalash Valleys Road as vital for the nation and vowed that the people were ready to go to any extent to ensure its timely completion.
The jirga ended with consensus. All participants demanded immediate action. They said the NHA must complete Section-I under the existing plan and deliver it to the people without wasting any more time.