THE road infrastructure in Chitral has seriously deteriorated. A region of immense cultural, touristic and strategic significance, Chitral has remained woefully neglected by the relevant authorities.

Situated at the crossroads of the Hindukush mountains, Chitral holds a unique geographical position bordering Afghanistan`s Wakhan Corridor and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and is not far from the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route.

This strategic location makes it a potential lynchpin for cross-border trade, regional connectivity, and tourism development. Yet, the disrepair of its road network has left the region physically isolated and, thus, economically stunted.

The recent protests stagedby the residents of Upper Chitral manifested the deep-rooted resentment against administrative neglect. Such protests paralyse internal mobility and disrupt links with GB and adjacent regions.

It is particularly disheartening that Chitral, which hosts internationally recognised cultural events, such as the Shandur Polo Festival, the Q aqlasht Festival and the Chilam Joshi Festival of the Kalasha people, is denied even the most basic infrastructural facilities. These festivals attract thousands oflocaland foreign tourists,but the roadsleadingto these areas are often treacherous, poorly maintained, and completely inaccessible.

Beyond tourism, Chitral`s geostrategic position presents an untapped potentialfor regional trade and soft diplomacy, especially in fostering people-to-people ties with bordering Afghan communities, and enhancing northward access towards China via GB. However, without reliable transport infrastructure, all such prospects remain unrealised.

Both federal and provincial governments must recognise the multifaceted importance of Chitral, and take urgent steps to rehabilitate and upgrade its road networks.

A comprehensive infrastructure policy for Chitral would not only alleviate the sufferings ofits people,butalso serve national interests in the domains of tourism, trade and regional integration. Delaying the matter will only further squander the vast potential of this remarkable region.

Irshad Rahman Baig Lower Chitral