Address at a public meeting in Chitral on November 24, 1972

President Bhutto assured the people of Chitral that his Government was doing everything possible to develop their region. He said work on the Lowari Top tunnel would be undertaken as soon as the survey, now under way, had been completed.

Addressing a big public meeting at the Polo ground, the President said: he fully realized the importance of an all-weather road to keep this far-flung and underdeveloped area linked with the rest of the country throughout the year.

Turning to a suggestion made in the address of welcome about linking Chitral with Peshawar through Jalalabad, Afghanistan, the President said that he would consider this suggestion and also consult the Foreign Office. He said since the Afghan Government would have to be involved if any such projects were undertaken, he could not make a commitment immediately.

About power supply to Chitral, he said he would issue instructions to WAPDA to take necessary steps in this connection as early as possible.

The President said that his Government was concentrating its attention on economic development to improve the people’s standard of living and to provide their children with basic amenities. Everything would be done step by step, he said.

The President said as agricultural land was scarce in this area and no big industry could be established, his Government would pay special attention to tapping the mineral resources of Chitral, Nagar and Gilgit.

He said there was great scope for establishing cottage industries in Chitral to provide more job opportunities.

The President said the centuries old Cho Bridge, which had fallen some years ago, would be reconstructed and a full-fledged college established soon. Similarly, he said, steps would be taken to provide increased facilities of post offices and telephones..

Turning to the demand for abolition of the usher system, he said he have to be taken before it were abolished.

“It takes time even to do right things. We are treading the correct path, step by step.” He urged the people to be a little patient and give the Government some breathing space.

The President promised to visit Chitral again.