CHITRAL, Pakistan: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday laid the foundation stones of different welfare and uplift projects in Chitral.
During the visit, the prime minister will also inspect the gigantic Lowari Tunnel project being constructed with a financial assistance of the federal government.
Lowari Tunnel will be completed at a cost of over Rs 18 billion in March next year, and it will serve as all-weather link between Chitral and rest of the country. Chitral remains disconnected during winter season due to heavy snowfall on Lowari top.
With the completion of Lowari Tunnel, distance between Peshawar and Chitral will be reduced to seven hours from the existing 14 hours.
Earlier upon his arrival in Chitral, the prime minister was received by Advisor to the Prime Minister Edgier Amir Muqam and other elders of the areas besides Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders of Chitral in large number.
Various mega uplift projects which foundation stones were laid by the prime minister also included extension and repair of Boni Bozand Kor Road that would be completed with an estimated cost of Rs 1.108 billion.
The 25 kilometers long Boni Road would be completed with the help of federal government annual developmental program. This would help provide better communication facilities besides easy excess from different markets to Chitral City.
The prime minister is also expected to address a big public gathering in Chitral.