Musharraf inaugurates Asia's Largest Lowari Tunnel
'Pakistan Times' NWFP Bureau

CHITRAL: President General Pervez Musharraf Saturday inaugurated the construction of the Asia’s largest Lowari Tunnel connecting Chitral with district Dir.

The Lowari Tunnel, 8.8-kilometres long, 7.1-metres high and 7.5-metres wide to be completed in three years at the cost of Rs8 billion would be the largest in Asia, according to media reports.

Lowari Tunnel would be located at 9.3-kilometres away from the district Dir, while at a distance of 9.2-kilometres form the Chitral side.

The contract for the construction of this project has been awarded to the Korean company Sambu.

Lowari is one of the four mountains on way to Chitral entrance. Lowari Tunnel project was prepared in 1955 and the work on this project had commenced in 1975 during ex-prime minister, Zulfiquar Ali Bhutto’s tenure, but for some unavoidable reasons, it was stopped.

In view of the geo-strategic location of this area, President Pervez Musharraf ordered for starting the work on this project.

On completion of this project, Chitral’s handicap of remaining cut off from other areas of the country for long five months during winter season would be removed by keeping communications restored in all seasons through this tunnel.

Public Meeting

And while addressing a public gathering in Chitral, President General Pervez Musharraf said on Saturday that he had nothing to do with the politics but wanted to serve the people of country.

“I want to provide all necessary facilities to the people of country,” he said while addressing a crowded public gathering at Scouts Stadium.

The President announced various development schemes for the Chitral district and adjoining areas and promised that people of the Northern Areas would get more than their due share.

"Northern Areas remained under-privileged and neglected in the past because past leadership had no regard for the poor, nor they had money as they plundered the national exchequer," he said.

And speaking at a large gathering at the Chitral Polo Ground. President Musharraf announced sanction of Rs.50 million to up-grade the Gilgit-Chitral road and another Rs.20 million for the construction of a bridge on Mastooj River.

Funds would be provided for hydropower project on River Chitral, the President said, adding that the government was launching two mobile utility stores to provide foodstuff and other items to people at cheaper rates.

Amid thunderous applause, President Musharraf said that the government has also written off agriculture loans of Rs. 160 million which will benefit some 6000 people of the area.

The President also announced a plan to link Northern Areas with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) through Chitral and China.

A feasibility study for the mega project would soon be undertaken, he added.
President Musharraf asked people to stand united against the twin menaces of terrorism and extremism and project the true image of Islam.

"You must stand up to people who are trying to sow seeds of discord," the President said and asked people to understand the real meaning of Islam that calls for brotherhood, love, compassion and tolerance.

President Musharraf said he had the deepest desire to help the poor and was committed to bring about positive change in their lives.

The government, he added, was committed to providing basic health and education facilities, besides road network, electricity, gas and clean drinking water in every part of the country.

President Musharraf noted with satisfaction giant strides made to improve the economy that has made possible for the government to earmark huge resources for the development projects across the country.

In this respect, he referred to the record allocation of Rs.415 billion for the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the new financial year that will generate numerous job opportunities and bring about qualitative change in the life of the common man.

President Musharraf later performed the groundbreaking of the much-needed Lowari Tunnel.●