Staff Correspondent
Bang, July 21, 2026: A long march demanding the construction of the long-awaited Mastuj-Broghil road is continuing towards Booni, where participants have vowed to stage a sit-in outside the office of the Deputy Commissioner Upper Chitral until the government accepts their demand.
The march, organized under the banner of the Tehreek Mastuj-Broghil Road (TMBR), began from Broghil three days ago and has drawn participation from residents across Yarkhun Valley as it moves to Booni, the district headquarters of Upper Chitral, located at a distance of 175 kilometers.
Protesters say the absence of a proper road has deprived the remote areas consisting of about 50 villages of reliable access to healthcare, education, markets and other essential services.
As the march advances towards Booni, it has gained momentum with local residents joining the campaign and expressing solidarity with the movement in different villages.
Local residents arranged meals as the participants of the rally passed through different villages. The rally turned into public gatherings in various areas where speakers vowed to continue their drive for the basic rights of the people of the most remote but strategically vital area.
Organizers say the growing public support reflects the urgency of the long-pending demand for improved road connectivity.
Leaders of the Mastuj-Broghil Road Tehreek said the Mastuj-Broghil road is vital for the socio-economic development of the area and urged the federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments to immediately allocate funds for its construction.
The participants have pledged to continue their peaceful protest until the government announces practical measures to begin work on the road project.
