Daily Times

The Sindh government has decided to develop hill stations located in the Kirthar Mountains. The Sindh Highways and Works departments have been directed to conduct a survey for constructing roads leading to Gurakh and ‘Kutay Ji Kabar’ (dog’s grave) hill stations.

‘Kuty Ji Kabar’ is situated 7,200 feet above sea level in the limits of Gaibi Dero Union Council, Dadu district. It is located at a distance of 70 kilometers on Kambar’s western side. The site is spread over a five-kilometer area from north to south and one kilometer from east to west. During summers, the temperature in the area remains between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. During winters, the average temperature there is between two to 10 degree Celsius with very fascinating view of large hills and mountains covered with natural greenery.

During the British rule, the area was also identified for establishing a camp office for the English rulers during the summer season. However, the scheme was left incomplete.

In 1996, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, the then prime minister, had directed the Sindh government to prepare a plan for uplift of the area.

Benazir Bhutto had directed the then Sindh chief minister Syed Abdullah Shah to develop the site. Shah had conducted an aerial survey of the site along with late Nawab Shabir Ahmed Chandio. However, the plan could not mature after the Pakistan People’s Party government was dismissed. According to MPA Nawab Sardar Khan Chandio, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has now directed CM Syed Murad Ali Shah to develop ‘Kutay Ji Kabar’.

“Bilawal is taking a keen interest in developing the area for foreign and local tourists. From the very outset, roads will be identified which will lead to the site. The first option is from Warah and another is from Kambar town. When the route is finalised, work on construction of the road will start. The estimated cost of the project will be between Rs 2.5 to 3 billion. Then the site will be further developed with facilities such as hotels,” MPA Sardar Khan said.

He said that Kambar-Shahdadkot Deputy Commissioner Javed Jagirani had also visited the area along with the revenue authorities from Balochistan. “They went there to resolve the claim of Balochistan that the site belongs to them. After the visit by both officials, it has been finally established that the site is within the revenue limits of Sindh. This site can become a great recreational point where people from Sindh as well as the entire country will come for recreation,” he said.

To a question, Chandio said that the estimated cost of the project was around Rs 10 billion. “The project will boost economic activity in the area for the locals. No foreign investment is required and the Sindh government can fund the project,” he added.