CHITRAL: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday laid foundation stone of various welfare and uplift projects in Chitral. Upon his arrival, PM’s Adviser Amir Muqam and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) elders of the area welcomed the prime minister. PM Nawaz inspected the gigantic Lowari Tunnel project being constructed with a financial assistance of the federal government. The tunnel will serve as all weather link between Chitral and rest of the country. Chitral remains disconnected during winter season due to heavy snowfall on Lowari top. With the completion of Lowari Tunnel, distance between Peshawar and Chitral will be reduced to 7 hours from the existing 14 hours. Extension and repair of Boni Bozand Kor Road, to be completed with an estimated cost of Rs 1.108 billion, is among the uplift projects of PM laid the foundation stone. Speaking at the public gathering here, PM Nawaz announced to establish a university in Chitral, adding that he would himself supervise it. Nawaz added that he had included a 250-bed hospital in Chitral in the Prime Minister Health Insurance program, saying the facility would be constructed soon. He said all such projects would be completed by 2018. The prime minister also announced Rs200 million for district government.