ISLAMABAD: The Senate Functional Committee on Problems of Less Developed Areas on Tuesday reiterated its commitment to accelerating development projects in less developed areas and ensuring timely completion of infrastructure, flood mitigation, telecommunications and livelihood initiatives for the people of Chitral.
Chaired by Senator Niaz Ahmed, the committee held a detailed discussion on infrastructure development in Chitral.
Senator Talha Mahmood had raised the matter on January 23 that was referred by the House to the committee for consideration and report.
Representatives of the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and the Ministry of Water Resources informed the committee that a Rs7 billion 5MW hydroelectric power plant had received approval under the PC-I framework. Senator Talha questioned the Planning Commission about the timeline for clearance of PC-I. The committee was informed that the approval was expected by June 15, 2026.
The committee was also informed that a spare transformer would be installed in the area to strengthen the power supply system.
Senator Talha highlighted the increasing expansion of water in vulnerable areas of Chitral and stressed the urgent need for construction of protection walls, stating that the commitment had already been made previously. Taking serious notice of the matter, Senator Niaz directed the authorities concerned to submit a report within one week clarifying the timeline for construction of the protection wall and identifying the department responsible for execution.
Officials informed the committee that the responsibility lay with the National Highway Authority (NHA). The committee also reviewed the status of a Rs1.4 billion flood-related project in Chitral.
Officials informed the meeting that the irrigation department would shortly conduct a site visit, following which work would commence, while formulation of the PC-I was expected to be completed within one week. Senator Talha sought an update from the NHA on the Chitral-Booni-Mastuj-Shandur Road project.
The committee was informed that completion was expected between October and December this year. The committee further discussed the status of the Chitral-Ayun-Bumburet Road project — a major route linked to tourism activity in the region.
The committee was informed that the project was facing delays due to the mobilisation issues in the National Highway Authority and certain land acquisition problems concerning provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
On the Garam Chashma-Dorah Pass Road project, the committee was assured that the work would be completed by June 30.
Representatives from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority informed the committee that the tower capacity enhancement in the area would be completed by July 15, 2026 to improve communication services and connectivity for the local residents.
The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission briefed the committee that training had already been provided in nine institutes operating in the region. The committee emphasised the need for further expansion of technical and vocational training opportunities to support the local youth and improve employment prospects.
