Islamabad: Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Reform, said the government must link
Chitral to the tremendous trade and economic opportunities that will arise from the opening of the Lowari Tunnel and the CPEC projects.
Addressing a round-table conference ‘Devising our own Destiny: A Model for Collaborative Partne
rship for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in
Chitral’ hosted by Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) in collaboration with the Federal, Provincial and District Governments of
Chitral, he said
Chitral District is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters with the frequency of such disasters increasing every few years. The organizations gathered here are critica
lly important in helping mitigate the effects of climate change a
nd build disaster resilient communities and structures.
It will take the full support, technical assistance and resources of all the stakeholders present here to ensure that
Chitral is protected from the effects of climate change and natural disasters, Ahsan Iqbal said. The preservation and promotion of the unique cultural heri
tage of the region and sustainable planned economic growth that does not damage the fragile social balance of
Chitral is also a concern.”
Qazi Azmat Isa, CEO of PPAF, said PPAF has invested in the social capital in
Chitral for 15 years and now we are convening all the stakeholders to create a unique model of sustainable and inclusive development which will make
Chitral a model district in KP.
He added
Chitral has been cut off from the mainstream because of the location throughout the year and the climate in winters. We are at a juncture in time when the Lowari Tunnel and the CPEC routes will make travel to and from
Chitral much easier and therefore much more frequent.
Stefano Pontecorvo, Italian Ambassador to Pakistan spoke about the Italian commitment to Pakistan and development in
Chitral. He said he believes that Pakistan will be one of the most leading countries in the next 10 years. Thomas Drew, British High Commissioner to Pakistan spoke about his many visits to
Chitral which he saw as a haven of peace, diversity and natural beauty. He fully supported the stakeholder commitment to sustainable development in
Chitral.
