News Detail
Event Title: Senator Niaz Ahmed, Chairman Senate Functional Committee on Problems of Less Developed Areas presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House, Islamabad.
Event Date: 2026-05-19
A meeting of the Senate Functional Committee on Problems of Less Developed Areas was held on Tuesday at Parliament House Islamabad under the chairmanship of Senator Niaz Ahmed to review progress on infrastructure, flood protection, connectivity, telecommunications and economic development initiatives in Chitral.
The meeting was attended by Senator Talha Mahmood, Senator Danesh Kumar and Senator Jan Muhammad, along with senior officials from all relevant federal and provincial departments.
The Committee held a detailed discussion on the matter regarding “Infrastructure and Development in Chitral” raised by Senator Talha Mahmood on January 23, 2026 and referred by the House to the Committee for consideration and report.
Representatives of the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and the Ministry of Water Resources informed the Committee that one development project worth Rs7 billion hydroelectric power plant of 5 megawatts has received approval under the PC-I framework. During the briefing, Senator Talha Mahmood questioned the Planning Commission regarding the timeline for clearance of the PC-I, to which officials responded that approval is expected by June 15, 2026. The Committee was also informed that a spare transformer would be installed in the area to strengthen the power supply system.
Senator Talha Mahmood highlighted the increasing expansion of water in vulnerable areas of Chitral and stressed the urgent need for construction of protection walls, stating that the commitment had already been made previously. Taking serious notice of the matter, Chairman Committee Senator Naiz Ahmed directed the concerned authorities to submit a report within one week clarifying the timeline for construction of the protection wall and identifying the department responsible for execution. Officials informed the Committee that the responsibility lies with the National Highway Authority.
The Committee also reviewed the status of a Rs1.4 billion flood-related project in Chitral. Officials informed the meeting that the Irrigation Department would shortly conduct a site visit, following which work would commence, while formulation of the PC-I is expected to be completed within one week.
During the meeting, Senator Talha Mahmood sought an update from the National Highway Authority regarding the Chitral-Booni-Mastuj-Shandur Road project. The Committee was informed that completion is expected between October and December this year.
The Committee further discussed the status of the Chitral-Ayun-Bumburet Road project, a major route linked to tourism activity in the region. Officials informed the meeting that the project is facing delays due to mobilisation issues within the National Highway Authority and certain land acquisition problems concerning provincial government kpk
On the Garam Chashma-Dorah Pass Road project, officials assured the Committee that the work would be completed by June 30, 2026.
Representatives of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority informed the Committee that tower capacity enhancement in the area would be completed by July 15, 2026 to improve communication services and connectivity for local residents.
The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission briefed the Committee that training had already been provided in nine institutes operating in the region. Committee members emphasised the need for further expansion of technical and vocational training opportunities to support local youth and improve employment prospects.
The Committee was also briefed on Community supported Development Programme-supported training initiatives being carried out through PCSIR interventions. Officials informed the meeting that local communities are being trained in production of value-added products including jams and jellies to prevent wastage of fruits in Chitral. Training programmes on food preservation, food processing and honey preservation were also highlighted during the briefing.
Chairman Committee Senator Naiz Ahmed directed the concerned departments to explore joint ventures with local NGOs in Chitral to expand training initiatives, generate employment opportunities and strengthen economic development in the region.
The Committee reiterated its commitment to accelerating development projects in less developed areas and ensuring timely completion of infrastructure, flood mitigation, telecommunications and livelihood initiatives for the people of Chitral.