CHITRAL: After a break of one year when vehicles were allowed to pass through the tunnel as they approached without being held up at the mouth and everything was going fine, the old practice of hauling up vehicles and making them wait in a line till a convoy is formed at the mouth of the tunnel, has restarted.
One well informed traveler talking to CN said he was traveling from Islamabad to Chitral on 22 August. When he reached the mouth of the tunnel mid day, he was allowed to pass through without hindrance (probably on seeing the expensive vehicle he was driving). At that time there were no other vehicles seen in the vicinity or inside the tunnel. However when he crossed the tunnel he saw about two dozen vehicles held up at the Chitral side of the tunnel. Some were altercating with the staff who had stopped them (these were tourists as Chitralis are ‘shareef’ and take things lying down. Among the waiting vehicles were old sick people, women and children all visibly irritated for being made to wait for no sane reason.
When the traveler asked a security personnel reason for stopping the vehicles he blamed the NHA for doing so. When he asked the NHA personnel present as to why? he was told that they have been ordered to allow the vehicles in convoy form after a convoy crosses from the other side. When asked who had given such orders he said the new tunnel manager has done so. He also asked the traveler to report this matter to higher authorities as it was creating problems for them and the travelers always quarrel with them over this.
Funny it was, as there was no convoy coming from the other side and the tunnel was empty at that time. Even funnier was to see that the tunnel was pitch dark and the few lights inside had been turned off (probably to scrounge on electricity bill). In such condition a convoy entering the tunnel is hazardous let alone the smoke emitted by two dozen vehicles at one time.
The NHA officials are either the proverbial ‘wise men of Gotham’ who know the benefit of holding up vehicles and letting them inside in a crowded convoy or they are exercising their ‘right’ to tease the people, as in Pakistan it is widely felt by everyone that all government servants get paid to inconvenience the people with whatever authority they have.
The elected public representatives of Chitral, the MNA, the two MPAs, the Tehsil Chairmen should all immediately approach the Chairman NHA to stop this nonsense at the tunnel .. CN report, 23 Aug 2024
2 thoughts on “Lowari tunnel nuisance starts again”
A very good post regarding a real problem we all face. Elected members should pursue it.
It is disheartening to hear about the resumption of the unnecessary and archaic practice of halting vehicles at the Lowari Tunnel. After a year of smooth passage without delays, the decision to restart holding vehicles at the mouth of the tunnel is utterly unacceptable. The lack of coordination and rationality displayed by the NHA officials is an insult to travelers who expect efficient and respectful treatment on a public road.
The fact that tourists and local residents, including the elderly, women, and children, were made to wait for no apparent reason reflects the gross mismanagement and negligence on the part of those in charge. The justification given by the tunnel staff, that convoys are being formed based on orders from a new tunnel manager, is both absurd and dangerous. Stopping vehicles when the tunnel is empty, forcing travelers to wait without explanation, and leaving the tunnel itself in darkness is not only a clear violation of public service but a safety hazard of the highest order.
Furthermore, turning off the tunnel lights to “save electricity” at the cost of traveler safety is a reckless decision. It puts everyone at risk, as navigating through a pitch-dark tunnel with a convoy of vehicles emitting smoke is nothing short of a recipe for disaster. The NHA must prioritize the safety and comfort of travelers, not impose senseless regulations that result in frustration and, potentially, harm.
It is evident that this practice is either the result of poor judgment or, worse, a deliberate act of making life difficult for the public. The NHA must immediately reverse this nonsensical approach and ensure that the tunnel remains accessible without delay. Public servants are paid to facilitate, not inconvenience, and this entire episode only underscores the need for better governance and oversight.
The elected representatives of Chitral – the MNA, MPAs, and Tehsil Chairmen – must take swift action. It is their duty to approach the Chairman of the NHA and demand an end to this mistreatment of travelers. This kind of behavior, especially in a region that relies on tourism and smooth transportation, cannot be tolerated any longer.
We call on the authorities to take immediate action and restore the previous, efficient system of allowing vehicles to pass through the Lowari Tunnel without unnecessary delays. The people of Chitral deserve better.