The local community in Chitral has urged the government to allocate special funds for the immediate restoration of the 60-kilometer Garam Chashma to Shah Salim road. A formal request has been submitted to the Chairman of the National Highway Authority (NHA), highlighting the deteriorating condition of the road and its international significance.
This road is not only vital for Chitral and its surrounding villages but also holds strategic importance as an international trade corridor. The Shah Salim Check Post is located just a few kilometers from Afghanistan and only 60 kilometers from Tajikistan. Experts believe that if the road is restored to modern standards, it could become the shortest trade route between Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Central Asia, benefiting the national economy.
Local residents have expressed concerns over the road’s poor condition, sharp turns, and dangerous inclines, which have led to frequent accidents, making daily travel extremely difficult. The deep potholes and broken sections in the mountainous terrain pose serious challenges for vehicles, disrupting both passenger travel and commercial activities.
Community leaders have unanimously decided that if the government fails to restore this vital road, they will boycott the upcoming national and provincial elections. Local representatives claim that the region’s fundamental issues are consistently ignored and that the government only remembers them during election campaigns.
According to the National Highway Authority (NHA), the importance of the Garam Chashma to Shah Salim road is undeniable, and its maintenance is essential. However, securing full funding remains a significant challenge. NHA officials state that due to limited budgets, only partial repairs are feasible, while a complete restoration would require special government funding.
The local population and their representatives have urged the government to allocate immediate funding for this crucial highway. They emphasize that doing so would not only resolve transportation difficulties for local residents but also activate a major trade route connecting Pakistan to Central Asia. It remains to be seen how the NHA and other authorities respond to this demand in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the NHA has proposed a separate project for the rehabilitation of a damaged section of the N-145 highway in Chitral, specifically from Kilometer 35+000 to 50+000.
This segment, passing through a mountainous region, has become increasingly hazardous due to its poor condition, sharp curves, and frequent accidents. The project proposes a budget of Rs. 293,118,850 for the repair and improvement of this section.
Deputy Director Waqar Ahmad has submitted this plan for approval to higher authorities, and it has already received support from senior NHA officials.
Officials have stated, “This road is crucial for the local population. Immediate repairs will make it safer and more accessible, benefiting both residents and businesses.”