Shutter Down Strike at Chitral

 Shutter down strike against closing of Lawari tunnel.

By: Gul Hamaad Farooqi

CHITRAL:  Complete Shutter down strike was observed at Chitral on the

call of Trade union and all parties leaders. Addressing to the public

on this occasion,  representatives of Trade union said that Lawari

tunnel is opening on Monday, Wednesday and Friday only for 3 hours and

remained closed for 4 days in this winter season where main road of

Chitral have been blocked on Lawari top. They said that present

government was silent for more than four years and they started work

on Lawari tunnel when election time is close. They demanded from

federal government to  open Lawari tunnel 4 hours on daily basis

because due to opening of Tunnel for only three years mostly

transporters avoid to travel because they have to wait at  Chitral and

Dir for 2 days. As a result a large number of passengers waiting for

vehicle but some time they get no vehicle and facing great problems.

They urged on National Highway Authority to arrange opening of Lawari

tunnel on daily basis or they should to suspend work on the tunnel

until opening of main Chitral road on Lawari top. Trade union

criticized closing of tunnel for four days and termed it for shortage

of edible things. While on the other hand due to rush of vehicles at a

time inside the tunnel it also causing for suffocation and thick

smoke.  During the strike all shops, chemists and druggists, hotels,

poultry shops, greengrocers, backers and bread shops were remained

closed the whole. day. A public meeting was also held at Ataleeq

square where representatives of trade union and leaders of different

political parties delivered speeches. A large number of people

attended the public meeting. It was dispersed peacefully.