Most Chitralis unable to go home on Eid due to high fares

Bureau report

PESHAWAR: Many Chitralis would not be able to celebrate Eidul Fitr with their near and dear ones ostensibly due to manifold increase in fares.

“We have been celebrating Eid with our families over the years, but we cannot meet our near and dear ones this time owing to tremendous increase in fares,” said two government officials.
They said skyrocketing prices of essentials and almost 200 per cent increase in school fees had made life very tough for them, forcing them to abandon their plan to celebrate the festival with their relatives.
Like government officials and employees, many students also could not go to their native towns. The PIA charges per passenger over Rs2,800 while it costs almost Rs600 if one opts to travel by road (one way). “We will be celebrating the Eid in the hostel as we can’t go to our native town,” a group of Chitrali students said.
They said that there was no check on transporters who resorted to increase in fares on one pretext or the other. They, however, demanded of the PPP government to launch Northern Areas Transport Corporation (Natco) service to Chitral. They said the service had already been started from Gilgit to Mastuj, which could also be extended to Peshawar. They said that Natco service from Peshawar to Chitral would not only solve the transport problem of the area but would also be beneficial for the company.
A transport company owner, who runs flying coaches to Chitral, admitted that there was no rush this Eid. He, however, said they would not increase fares arbitrarily. “We are running the service for Chitral with great difficulties. The prices of oil have been increased plus we have to grease the palms of some important people to run the service,” he added.
When contacted to ask about resumption of Natco service from Peshawar to Chitral, MNA Shahzada Mohiuddin said he would raise the issue with the prime minister and the president. “I hope the PPP-led government will accept this genuine demand and I will also take up the matter with the Natco officials,” he added.
The legislator from Chitral said both the president and prime ministers had assured him to redress the grievances of the people of Chitral on a priority basis.--Courtesy The News