Daily Times

Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Saturday took notice of the closure of Lowari Tunnel in Chitral during a four-day visit to the region.

The chief justice has summoned reports from the chairman of the National Highway Authority (NHA), the communications secretary and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary within five days.

On Saturday, CJP Nisar also went to the Chitral District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital where he directed officials to immediately overcome shortage of medicines and staff.

Later, the chief justice addressed the District Bar Association in Chitral, calling on the need to revive the patriotic spirit which he said would solve all problems.

“We need to revive the spirit of Pakistaniat. Once we do that, it will solve all our problems. We need to remain steadfast and start from ourselves,” he said, adding that the nation was facing a severe water crisis which can worsen if necessary steps are not taken.

During the address, he announced to set a circuit bench and single bench in Peshawar. He said he would address the issue of shortage of judges in Boti and Derwesh areas of Chitral.

The notice on closure of Lowari Tunnel was taken on an application of local residents who complained that the tunnel is not open around the clock despite completion of construction work. The complainants maintained that the tunnel usually remains closed, and is opened only for a few hours, which not only causes a severe traffic jam but also creates trouble for locals.

Published in Daily Times, September 23^rd 2018.