20/10/2025
Public Interest Alert: Priorities for Chitral’s Civic Management
Exciting news has emerged with the formation of a new Polo Team for Lower Chitral, proudly announced by TMA Chitral on social media. We appreciate the efforts of TMA in promoting polo, often called "the game of kings and the king of games," which has a deep cultural and sporting significance in the region.
However, while sports and entertainment are important, it is crucial to highlight the pressing civic challenges that require immediate attention. The core mandate of TMA Chitral—providing essential civic services—remains severely underperforming. Chitral city is currently facing:
Poor sanitation with overflowing sewage and drainage systems.
Unsafe and insufficient drinking water, with infrastructure installed 30 years ago for 25,000 residents now serving over 100,000.
Ineffective waste management, leading to accumulated filth across main bazaars, historic sites like Shahi Qila and Shahi Masjid, and key tourist destinations.
Environmental hazards, as untreated waste enters rivers and streams, threatening aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.
These issues are compounded by chronic funding shortages. Sanitation workers often go unpaid for 6–8 months, disrupting essential waste collection and disposal. Consequently, public health risks are escalating, and the city’s environment is deteriorating, which also negatively affects tourism.
We urge the respected Tehsil Nazim, MPA, and Deputy Commissioner to prioritize TMA’s core responsibilities and focus on critical infrastructure and public welfare before allocating attention and resources to entertainment or non-essential initiatives.
It is worth noting that numerous organizations—including KPCTA, the Sports Board, Youth Affairs, DC, Scout and Police—are already actively working to promote polo in Chitral. Civic authorities should similarly mobilize resources to ensure basic services are functional, sustainable, and equitable for all residents and visitors.
Chitral’s prosperity depends not only on cultural and sporting events but also on a clean, safe, and well-managed city. Public welfare must remain the highest priority.
