Chitral, May 7, 2026: Hundreds of residents in Upper Chitral continue to risk their lives every day while crossing a deteriorating suspension bridge connecting the villages of Sonoghur and Parwak, as authorities struggle to address long-standing safety concerns.
Flooding river washes away bridge
The wooden bridge was severely damaged during flash floods in June 2007 and has remained in poor condition ever since. Despite the dangers, local residents, including women and schoolchildren, rely on the crossing to access schools, healthcare facilities, food supplies, and major roads in the area.
Village elders said residents of Parwak depend on Sonoghur for access to a high school, hospital, and government grain storage facility, while people from Sonoghur must cross into Parwak to reach the Shandur Road for onward travel.
Community representatives described the bridge as the main obstacle to tourism development in Sonoghur, which they called one of Chitral’s most scenic villages.
Pedestrian bridge in dangerous condition
According to local elders, villagers built a temporary structure through community efforts after the 2007 floods, but widespread poverty has made it difficult to maintain or permanently replace the bridge.
Residents warned that the bridge’s condition has become increasingly dangerous and said a major accident could occur at any time if urgent repairs are not carried out.
Deputy Commissioner Upper Chitral Muhammad Imran Yousufzai said the administration is aware of the issue and has approached relevant departments to secure special funding for the bridge’s repair.