Post Lawari Scenario

According to newspapers, the National Highway Authority (HNA) of Pakistan has decided to construct Mensehra Chitral highway and interested parties were sought to prepare the design of proposed highway. This may not be interesting for many but Chitralis must show some sensitivity to such strategic developments. The construction of Lawari tunnel accompanied by many other supplementary projects would definitely have positive impact on local economy in terms of openings for new avenues of businesses, availability of all-weather route, reduction in travel time and transportation cost and promotion of private sector which would further enhance employment opportunities and utilization of untapped resources in the district. It can also be envisaged that this new era would also increase the pace of social and human development in the region if people better position them to respond to new challenges and opportunities. Nonetheless, the potential adverse affects of this project on the society and social structure can not be ignored. In development point of view, two dimensions seem important. First, the capacity and the attitude of Chitrali to exploit these economic opportunities, example of Muree (internationally the case of Bangkok can be seen) informs us to think and act fast to protect the stake of Chitralis during this transition. One can see that ignorance of capacities of local people to cope with new social structure, during radical change and rapid development in Muree and surrounding areas, the indigenous people could not sustain their livelihoods and culture and vanished from existence and new settlers are still unable to integrate them in to a new community. Due to agrarian culture, Chitralis lack business attitude and skills and it is likely that new opportunities of business will less benefit the local people and people from outside district would drive the business and enterprise development process. The huge influx of people from other parts of the country coupled with already established pressure of media would push the social structure for drastic societal changes to accommodate new ideas and social concepts. Unfortunately, Chitralis are more focused on dividing factors rather than connecting factors due to century long isolation from mainstream social and economic activities. These sub-divisions include religious affiliations, geographic locations of settlements, racial factors and political associations. Keeping in mind these deficiencies both in economic and social sector development process, and low level of education and skills, it can be said that majority of the Chitrali population appeared to be liability than an asset. Now the question of responsibility arises. The responsibility of holistic development lies both with the district government and the civil society and both of them should envision the destination of Chiralis and save their civilization and social values from being extinguished. I addition to focusing on short term planning mainly driven by political priorities, the leaders including elected representatives, community activists, media people and intelligentsia should highlight the potential scenario after the completion of Lawari project with a sensitization of local population to comprehend the potential issues which would affect their lives.

Sherzad Ali Hyder
Raghodok, Booni Chitral
Phone: 0943 414739
Cell: 03028060173
Email: [email protected]