Arrangements for Lowari festival reviewed

A high-level meeting at the Governor Cottage in Chitral, chaired by District Nazim Haji Maghfirat Shah, discussed arrangements being made for a festival to coincide with the completion of Lowari tunnel this year.
The meeting was participated by leaders of all political and religious leaders, representatives of non-government organizations, civil society and different bodies like trade unions, drivers union, etc. The stakeholders discussed different views regarding preparation for celebration of a thanks-giving day and the festival.
They proposed to appreciate efforts of all those who played their role in construction of the Lowari tunnel.
A committee was also formed under the chair of Tehsil Nazim Chitral Sartaj Ahmad Khan to arrange and make preparations for celebrating the day in a befitting manner. The stakeholders also proposed offering Nawafal Shukrana in different mosques and public places and to go to the tunnel in a procession. They stressed upon all the members to celebrate this day and festival as well as distribute free food among the poor people irrespectively of their political affiliation.
They suggested to celebrate this day at the subdivision Mastuj and Chitral as well as at each tehsil and union council levels. They stressed upon all stakeholders to celebrate this festival as a nation and to not politicize it. Some participants also opposed the proposed gazette holiday announcement and stressed on hard work for development of Chitral.
AKHS offered a helicopter service for the VVIP arrival and movement. They also demanded proper documentation and preparation of a book on post- and pro-Lowari scenario and to mention names of all heroes whose efforts materilazed this long-awaited demand of Chitral people.
The participants also expressed their concern over the likely demographic changes in the valley after completion of the Lowari tunnel which will affect the local language, culture and tradition.
They said after completion of Lowari tunnel more opportunities of development will be available in Chitral. The stakeholders said this was a moment of pleasure for the people of Chitral because thousands of Chitralis had lost their lives while crossing the lowari top.--GH Farooqui