Residents of Shangla Protest Delayed Karora-Ajmeer Road Project
On October 15, residents of Kana tehsil in Shangla district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, blocked the Bisham-Swat Road for six hours. They were protesting the slow reconstruction of the Karora-Ajmeer Road, a crucial infrastructure project. The protest was organized by a local action committee and attracted large crowds who expressed their frustration with the government and construction firm.
Community Concerns
Mohammad Naeem Khan, chairman of the action committee, criticized the authorities for their lack of progress. He highlighted that despite a year passing, the contractor had not completed even a retaining wall. The 28-kilometer road project, funded with over PKR 2 billion, has been plagued by mismanagement, with only one excavator working on it.
Impact on the Region
The incomplete road affects daily commutes and economic activities, with potential tourism revenue at risk. Protesters emphasized the road’s importance for the local population and criticized elected representatives for neglecting their duties.
Promises and Skepticism
The protest concluded after officials promised to expedite the project by deploying more equipment. However, the community remains doubtful, accusing the government of neglecting infrastructure and failing to fulfill promises. This situation underscores broader governance issues in Pakistan, where inefficiency and corruption hinder essential services and economic development.
Doubts Revealed
Shangla -: Shangla is a district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and mountainous terrain.
Karora-Ajmeer Road -: The Karora-Ajmeer Road is a road project in Shangla district, Pakistan. It is meant to improve transportation and connectivity in the region.
Kana tehsil -: Kana tehsil is an administrative region within the Shangla district in Pakistan. A tehsil is similar to a sub-district in India.
Bisham-Swat Road -: The Bisham-Swat Road is a major road in Pakistan that connects the town of Bisham to the Swat Valley, a popular tourist destination.
PKR -: PKR stands for Pakistani Rupee, which is the currency used in Pakistan. It is similar to the Indian Rupee (INR).
Local action committee -: A local action committee is a group of people from the community who come together to address local issues and advocate for change. They organized the protest in this case.
Governance failures -: Governance failures refer to the inability of the government to effectively manage and complete projects or provide services. This can lead to delays and dissatisfaction among the people.
Tourism revenue -: Tourism revenue is the money earned from tourists visiting a place. It is important for local economies, especially in areas with natural beauty like Shangla.
