Dir residents move PHC for repair and widening of Chakdara-Timergara Road

LOWER DIR: A group of residents from Lower Dir has approached the Peshawar High Court, seeking immediate repair and expansion of the Chakdara-Timergara Road, saying its present condition has created serious dangers for commuters and infringes on fundamental rights.

The writ petition was filed by Dr Muhammad Ghayas, Rohullah, Mufti Aizaz Ali Shah, advocates Muhammad Salim Khan and Zarka Advocate against the federal and provincial governments, the National Highway Authority and other relevant departments.

Rohullah, one of the petitioners, told Dawn in Timergara on Friday that the road connecting Chakdara and Timergara, and serving as a link to Upper Dir, Chitral and Bajaur districts, had become badly worn, too narrow and unsafe because of heavy traffic and inadequate upkeep.

According to the petition, the road’s condition has caused major problems for the public, including delays in transporting patients to hospitals, traffic jams, recurring accidents and difficulties for women, children and elderly passengers. The petitioners also said commercial and economic activity in the area was suffering.

The petition states that the existing single carriageway is no longer sufficient for the growing volume of traffic and should be converted without delay into a dual carriageway built to modern standards.

Concerns over safety and connectivity

The petition further says several seasonal streams cross the road, but the absence of proper bridges and culverts has resulted in blockages and increased safety threats during heavy rain and flooding.

The petitioners alleged that despite repeated public demands, the authorities had not taken practical measures to improve the road network.

They described the Chakdara-Timergara Road as a lifeline for Malakand division, saying it connects Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Chitral and Bajaur districts.

The petition also argues that while a number of other districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have received modern highways and expressways, residents of Dir and nearby areas have been overlooked, which the petitioners say amounts to discriminatory treatment.

Relief sought from the court

In their plea, the petitioners asked the court to direct the authorities to immediately repair, widen and rebuild the Chakdara-Timergara Road, upgrade it into a modern highway, construct bridges and culverts over seasonal streams, and prepare a time-bound development plan for the scheme.

They also requested interim relief in the form of temporary repairs so that ambulances and public transport can continue to move safely until the court issues a final ruling.

The case centres on the petitioners’ contention that the road’s deteriorating state has become a public safety issue for residents and travellers using one of the main routes in the region.