Members of Baro Khel and Sultan Khel tribes in tehsil Halimzai staged a protest demonstration on Monday, demanding the completion of the Pak-Afghan Gursal route. The protesters, including women, children, and elders, blocked the main Gursal Road in Halimzai to draw attention to the long-standing issues faced by the local residents. They urged the government and authorities concerned to resolve these issues promptly.
According to the tribesmen, the allocated fund for the construction of the road amounted to Rs16 million. However, they claimed that a significant portion of the fund was diverted to Swat district by the former PTI chief minister, Mahmood Khan. The construction work on the Gursal trade route was inaugurated by Mahmood Khan in 2019 but has remained incomplete, causing numerous problems for the local residents.
The primary grievances of the protesters include the four-year delay in the construction work on the Pak-Afghan Gursal route, as well as unscheduled power outages in the region. They emphasized the need for immediate action to resume development work, which has been stalled for the past four years.
The protesters also highlighted the lack of essential services such as power supply and internet facilities, despite the presence of a functional grid station and telephone exchange in the area. It is evident that the local residents are facing significant challenges and are demanding urgent resolution from the authorities.
This demonstration serves as a reminder of the pressing issues faced by these tribes and the need for a swift response from the government. The completion of the Pak-Afghan Gursal route is crucial for the development and connectivity of the region. The authorities must address these concerns and prioritize the well-being of the local residents.
The demands put forward by the tribesmen should not be taken lightly, as they highlight the genuine grievances of a marginalized community. The government must allocate the necessary funds and resources to expedite the completion of the Pak-Afghan Gursal route, ensuring improved connectivity and economic opportunities for the local residents.
In addition, it is essential for the authorities to address the power supply and internet issues in the region. Access to these essential services is crucial for the development and progress of the local communities. It is the responsibility of the concerned authorities to ensure that these basic needs are met promptly.
The protest serves as a reminder that the voices of the marginalized communities should not be ignored. The government and relevant stakeholders should work together to address the grievances of the tribesmen and fulfill their demands. The completion of the Pak-Afghan Gursal route and the provision of essential services will contribute to the overall development and well-being of the residents in the region.
It is now up to the authorities to take swift action, engage with the communities, and address their concerns effectively. The protesters have made their demands clear, and it is crucial for the government to demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of its citizens by initiating prompt and targeted measures to resolve the issues at hand.
The completion of the Pak-Afghan Gursal route and the provision of basic services will not only improve the lives of the local residents but also contribute to the overall progress and development of the region. It is a crucial moment for the government to respond to the pressing needs of the tribesmen and ensure a better future for all.
