Bashir Hussain Azad | Chitral Today
CHITRAL, Jan 9, 2026: Public circles in Chitral have welcomed the release of the third installment of development funds under DDP-I (2021–22) for TMA Chitral and expressed gratitude to the provincial leadership and local administration for their timely efforts.
They particularly thanked Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi, Focal Person to the Chief Minister and former Special Assistant for Minority Affairs Wazirzada and Tehsil Municipal Officer (TMO) Chitral Haider Ayub for their role in ensuring the release of the long-awaited funds.
Talking to the media, representatives of public circles said due to the sincere interest and effective coordination of the concerned authorities, the third installment of the development fund was released. They expressed the hope that following verification of previously approved schemes, outstanding payments would be cleared promptly.
They said the way TMO Haider Ayub efficiently utilized the DDI scheme funds for the financial year 2023–24 had set a positive example. Completed schemes, they added, are benefiting both PTI workers and the general public, reflecting transparent management and professional planning.
The locals praised the TMO and his technical team for completing projects without political pressure, avoiding advance billing and nepotism and ensuring that development schemes were executed strictly according to rules and available funds.
Public circles were of the view that several long-pending administrative and financial issues of TMA Chitral had been resolved under Haider Ayub’s leadership.
These include regular payment of staff salaries, distribution of over one crore rupees in pensions to pensioners, enforcement of staff attendance, and a significant reduction in monthly fuel expenses from Rs1.5 million to about Rs0.7 million.
They also pointed out that unnecessary parking inside the TMA office had been removed, electricity dues of the past eleven months cleared, and essential repair works at the TMA Library, slaughterhouse, TMA Camp Office Bumburet, and TMA office Chitral completed. Other achievements include vehicle repairs, restoration of annual increments stalled for eight years, improved sanitation services in Chitral city, correction of asset and file records, and the formation of a polo team.
The establishment of a new park at Shiaqo Tek and the first-ever civilian polo ground in Chitral city was also appreciated. The facility will enable youth to learn and play polo, a traditional sport of the region.