MPA promises work to finally start on crucial Balakot roads
- The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government sanctioned funds for important road projects in Balakot, namely Saiful Muluk Lake Road and Garhi Habibullah-Balakot Road.
- Work on these projects will commence as soon as weather conditions allow, with aims to improve local tourism.
- Effective security measures are being coordinated to protect foreign engineers involved in energy projects, reflecting the government's commitment to development.
In Pakistan, specifically in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, the provincial government has taken a significant step towards improving infrastructure by approving funds for two major road projects in Balakot tehsil. Local representatives, particularly MPA Munir Hussain Lughmani, confirmed the approval from the communication and works department, emphasizing the long-standing demands of residents for better roads. The projects include the construction of Saiful Muluk Lake Road and Garhi Habibullah-Balakot Road, both vital for enhancing connectivity and promoting tourism in the area. MPA Lughmani noted that the Saiful Muluk Lake Road project would be launched after the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road reopens to traffic in May 2025, indicating a wait for optimal weather conditions to begin construction. The existing conditions of these roads are poor, leading to adverse effects on tourism due to accessibility issues. Stakeholders believe that better roads will facilitate increased visitor traffic, vital for the local economy dependent on tourism. In a separate but noteworthy event, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Hazara Range, Nasir Mehmood Satti, visited the site of the Balakot hydropower project where a multi-layered security mechanism has been implemented to protect Chinese engineers. These engineers play a key role in various energy projects across the region, instrumental in addressing Pakistan's ongoing power crisis. Satti reiterated the police's commitment to ensuring the safety of foreign workers contributing to national development, highlighting the collaborative effort between local authorities and international partners. The regional government has prioritized infrastructural improvements and security to create an inviting environment for foreign investments and aid. As authorities prepare for construction to begin on the road projects, it is evident that the economic stability and growth of Balakot depend on these advancements. Ensuring a secure environment and enhancing infrastructure are essential to harness potential opportunities that could arise from tourism and development projects in the area.