LOWER DIR: A group of citizens from Lower Dir has filed a writ petition in the Peshawar High Court seeking immediate repair and widening of the Chakdara-Timergara Road, arguing that its deteriorating condition poses serious risks to commuters and violates fundamental rights.

The petition was filed by Dr Muhammad Ghayas, Rohullah, Mufti Aizaz Ali Shah, advocates Muhammad Salim Khan and Zarka Advocate against the federal and provincial governments, the National Highway Authority (NHA) and other departments concerned.

Mr Rohullah, one of the petitioners told Dawn at Timergara here on Friday that the road linking Chakdara with Timergara, which also connects Upper Dir, Chitral and Bajaur districts, had becomeextremely dilapidated, narrow and unsafe due to heavy traffic and lack of proper maintenance.

The petitioners have argued that the poor condition of the road was causing serious difficulties for the public including delays in shifting patients to hospitals, traffic congestion, frequent accidents and hardships for women, children and elderly passengers. The petition added that trade and economic activities in the region were also being badly affected.

According to the petition, the existing single road could no longer handle the increasing traffic load and required immediate conversion into a dual carriageway built as per modern standards.

The petitioners further stated that several seasonal streams intersect the road, but the lack of proper bridges and culverts has led to roadblockages and heightened public safety risks during heavy rains and flooding.

They alleged that despite repeated public demands, the authorities had failed to take practical steps for improving the road infrastructure.

The petition described the road as a lifeline for Malakand division because it connected Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Chitral and Bajaur districts.

The petitioners also claimed that while several other districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been provided with modern highways and expressways, the people of Dir and adjoining areas were being neglected, which amounted to discriminatory treatment.

The petition requested the court to direct the authorities to immediately repair, widen and reconstruct the Chakdara-Timergara Road, upgradeit into a modern highway, construct bridges and culverts on seasonal streams and prepare a time-bound development plan for the project.

The petitioners also sought interim relief for temporary repair of the road to ensure safe movement of ambulances and public transport until the final decision of the court.

Correspondent