DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Deputy Speaker Suriya Bibi has directed the Information and Public Relations Department to expedite the establishment of Pakhtunkhwa Radio in Upper Chitral, saying the facility would improve access to information and strengthen communication between the government and local communities.
She issued the directives while chairing a meeting to review progress on the project at her chamber on Wednesday, said a handout.
Director General Information and Public Relations Ansar Khilji, Deputy Directors Nizamuddin and Zar Wali, Senior Planning Officer Hizbullah and other officials attended the meeting.
The deputy speaker directed officials to complete the remaining formalities, including arrangements for the transmission tower and studio, and move the project into the implementation phase without unnecessary delay.
Briefing the meeting, DG Ansar Khilji said a departmental technical team had conducted a detailed survey of government sites and buildings in Upper Chitral to assess requirements for the proposed radio studio, transmission tower, electricity supply, accessibility and other technical facilities.
He said a suitable site had already been identified in Booni, the district headquarters, for the FM radio station. Relevant sections of the department had been directed to expedite work on the next stages of the project.
Mr Khilji said funds currently available under the project were limited and a summary seeking additional funds had been forwarded to the relevant authorities.
He added that radio transmitters would have to be imported, while renovation, tendering and procurement processes would also take time.
He assured the deputy speaker that the department would make every effort to complete the project at the earliest.
Ms Suriya appreciated the department’s efforts and said an FM radio station would be particularly valuable in a remote and geographically challenging area such as Upper Chitral.
She said the station could provide timely information about floods, weather, natural disasters, health, education and other public matters, while also promoting the region’s language, culture, traditions and local talent.
The deputy speaker said the platform could give greater visibility to local issues and provide educational, informative and creative opportunities for young people.
She noted that despite Chitral’s natural beauty, Upper Chitral continued to face significant development challenges and had limited access to basic amenities.
“This radio station is very crucial for the area and the masses, and I want this project completed as soon as possible,” she said.
Ms Suriya said ending underdevelopment in Upper Chitral and improving modern communication and public facilities were among her priorities. She added that she would continue to pursue development projects aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of the people of the region.
