UPPER CHITRAL, Pakistan – Residents of Upper Chitral are issuing a strong warning: if construction work on the critical Booni-Torkhow Road is not significantly accelerated, they will initiate a widespread protest following the upcoming Shandur Festival.
This ultimatum comes from the united voices of the communities of Torkhow and Turich, including local elders, elected municipal representatives, and prominent social and political figures. They have expressed profound frustration and severe concern over what they describe as persistent delays, a snail’s pace of progress, and allegedly substandard quality of work on the vital Booni-Buzund Road project.
The Shandur Festival, a major cultural and sporting event, typically draws significant attention to the region. However, locals fear that ongoing infrastructure shortcomings, particularly the incomplete Booni-Torkhow Road, continue to hinder development and daily life. The decision to protest after the festival underscores the community’s patience wearing thin and their determination to see the road completed to a high standard.
This report was originally published by Chitral Times and contributed by Saif Ur Rehman Aziz.