Islamabad: In a landmark move to uplift northern Pakistan’s infrastructure, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in close coordination with Brigadier Muzaffar Ranjha, has approved the release of Rs. 620 million to the National Highway Authority (NHA) for the launch of the Chitral-Shandur Road project.

This funding marks the beginning of the road’s first phase, which stretches from Chew Bridge to Kari, with plans to extend it up to Booni. Another Rs. 620 million is set to follow shortly, targeting land acquisition and compensation for displaced landowners along the route.

Brigadier Muzaffar Ranjha: A Visionary at the Helm

At the heart of this ambitious project stands Brigadier Muzaffar Ranjha, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission a name synonymous with integrity, efficiency, and fearless accountability. Tasked with overseeing the project’s execution, Brigadier Ranjha has emerged as a national hero in infrastructure reform.

His hands-on supervision, relentless field inspections, and zero-tolerance for corruption or negligence have infused the project with momentum and public trust. Brigadier Ranjha has not only ensured transparency in fund utilization but has also enforced high construction standards in one of Pakistan’s most geologically challenging terrains.

He acknowledged that the rugged landscape and extreme weather conditions demand meticulous planning, but affirmed that his team is fully prepared to deliver—and deliver with quality.

Public Praise and Political Support

The local population and leadership have expressed immense appreciation for the federal initiative. MNA Ghazala Anjum thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his personal interest in Chitral’s development, and reserved special praise for Brigadier Muzaffar Ranjha, whose frequent visits and deep engagement have won the hearts of the people.

The residents of Chitral view Brigadier Ranjha not as a government official, but as a true friend of the region, devoted to delivering results that matter.

Concerns Over Construction Quality

Despite the progress, several civil society organizations, particularly the Chitral Development Movement (CDM), have raised red flags. Their concerns center on:

  • Substandard construction materials
  • Premature crumbling of protective walls
  • Poor supervision by certain contractors
  • Environmental degradation from unregulated blasting

Brigadier Ranjha has already initiated corrective oversight, promising that every single complaint will be investigated and that contractors will be held accountable for any lapses.

Chitral-Shandur Road: A Lifeline Project

Spanning 153 kilometers, the Chitral-Shandur Road is far more than a development project—it’s a lifeline. It links Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Gilgit-Baltistan, providing an alternate route for winter traffic when high-altitude passes like the Silk Route are snowbound. It also plays a pivotal role in the broader scope of CPEC, strengthening trade and people-to-people ties between regions.

The road passes through key hubs such as Parwak, Mastuj, Reshun, and Barenis, ending at the majestic Shandur Pass, home to the world’s highest polo ground.

The Road Ahead

The journey ahead is challenging, but with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s political will and Brigadier Muzaffar Ranjha’s administrative excellence, the Chitral-Shandur Road is on track to become a model of smart, transparent development.

This project is a testament to what is possible when visionary leadership, technical skill, and public accountability come together for the greater good.