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.