ALPURI: Work has officially begun on a major tourism development project aimed at linking Malam Jabba with Shangla, marking what local leaders described as a significant step toward regional development.
Former provincial minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) central leader Shaukat Yousafzai on Saturday inaugurated the construction of a 9-kilometre metalled road from Spin Obo in Malam Jabba to Kot Bazaar in Shangla. The project, estimated to cost over Rs90 million, is expected to improve connectivity, boost tourism, and promote socio-economic development in the area.
Upon his arrival in Malkhel, Shaukat Yousafzai was warmly received by local elders and residents. Prominent local figures, including Tehsil Nazims Waqar Ahmad Khan, Haji Sadeed-ur-Rehman, Nawaz Mehmood, and Sadar Rehman, were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Shaukat Yousafzai said the ongoing road infrastructure projects would transform the future of Shangla by promoting tourism and improving accessibility. He said the completion of the road would significantly reduce travel time between Shangla and Malam Jabba, attracting more tourists and creating what he termed a “tourism revolution” in the region.
He added that the increase in tourism activity would strengthen the local economy and generate employment opportunities for residents, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, transport, guiding services, and small businesses.
Speaking on political matters, Yousafzai criticised the removal of Imran Khan’s government, terming it harmful for the country’s economy. He said Pakistan was currently facing rising trade deficits, declining exports, and increasing unemployment due to the flawed policies of the incumbent government.
He further stated that keeping Imran Khan in solitary confinement was a violation of human rights and claimed that the ruling authorities were afraid of him. Yousafzai asserted that only Imran Khan had the capability to steer the country out of its current crises and called for his release in the national interest.
