CS wants work to reopen link roads in Chitral, Dir expedited

PESHAWAR: Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry on Tuesday directed the Communication and Works (C&W) Department to expedite work for the restoration of link roads in Chitral and Kumrat valley in Upper Dir.

The chief secretary issued the directives while chairing a review meeting here, said a handout.“These areas have been affected by recent Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs),” he said and underscored the urgency of completing the restoration work before the onset of winter, ensuring that communities in these valleys remain connected through restored roadways.

He commended the officials of the district administrations, rescue and line departments for their swift rescue and relief efforts to support the affected communities and tourists. In addition, the chief secretary directed the district administration to develop a comprehensive plan for the rehabilitation or relocation of households affected in Upper and Lower Chitral districts.

During the meeting, the chief secretary also highlighted the need to address the educational demands of local communities in Upper Chitral, particularly regarding girls’ higher education.Citing his recent visit to Upper and Lower Chitral, he acknowledged the community’s requests for better educational facilities. He directed the Elementary and Higher Education Departments to devise a plan for providing hostel facilities to the girl students of colleges. “This initiative aims at enabling the girls from remote rural areas to pursue higher education,” he said and emphasised that similar plans should be rolled out across other rural areas of the province.

Moreover, the chief secretary instructed the Elementary and Secondary Education Department, along with the Industry, Commerce, and Technical Education Department, to develop and finalise plans for skill development among school graduates.