MINGORA: Young political activists from Shangla on Monday expressed concern over the district’s longstanding underdevelopment, corruption and alleged irregularities in development projects.
Addressing a press conference at the Swat Press Club, Shangla Youth Wing founder Fazal Mabood, general secretary Rahmatullah, Yousaf Shah, senior vice president Zahid Hussain and Tourism Secretary Irfan Khan said that the district had been facing numerous problems since long but the successive governments and elected representatives had always turned a blind eye to these issues.
They said that funds for development projects had been released time and again but there was no sign of work on the ground.“Roads are in a dilapidated condition and many other projects do not exist beyond paperwork,” Fazal Mabood alleged, adding that corruption had severely harmed the district and its residents.
The activists said that thousands of young men from Shangla were forced to work in coalmines and various cities across the country.“More than seven thousand workers have lost their lives, while over eight thousand have been injured or disabled in mine-related incidents. Despite this alarming situation, the government has failed to pay attention to the issue,” said Rahmatullah.
The youth said that the people of Shangla were deprived of basic amenities and the district had no one to address their concerns.They announced that the Shangla Youth Wing would raise voice for people’s rights at every available platform.Other office-bearers and members of the organisation were present at the press conference.
