“Tehreek Mastuj Broghol Road’’ Holds Historic Jalsa for Road Development in Upper Chitral from “Mastuj to Broghol’’ – By: Abdur Rashid Khan
In a significant demonstration of unity, residents from 125 villages across Upper Chitral’s Mastuj tehsil gathered in the village of Brep to demand the blacktopping of the Mastuj-Broghul road, a long-standing and critical infrastructure need. The peaceful Jalsa, titled “Tehreek Mastuj Broghul Road,” drew thousands of participants, including men, women, students, and social workers, trade union, from Mastuj the first village to Broghul the last village attached with Pak-Afghan border known as Wakhan strip.
The demands voiced at the rally were simple but pressing: in 2024, a region with such strategic, historical, and touristic importance should not be without a basic road network. Speakers highlighted how the 153-kilometer stretch from Mastuj to Broghul is not only a vital route connecting Pakistan to Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor and, by extension, Central Asia, but also a lifeline for the local population.
Historically, this narrow strip of land has served as a trade and travel corridor for Central Asian traders traveling between the Central Asian and subcontinent. Despite its historical significance, the region remains neglected, with poor infrastructure hindering development. Speakers emphasized the potential of the region’s natural beauty to become a major tourism hub if only access were improved.
In a speech at the recent Jalsa, a speaker stressed the urgent need to upgrade local roads to blacktop standards, highlighting the deteriorating condition’s severe impact on daily life, education, healthcare, commerce, and transportation. He pointed out that just a few months ago, a tragic accident occurred in the village of Brep, resulting in the loss of six lives—an outcome directly linked to the poor state of the road. The speaker noted that such unfortunate incidents have become an annual occurrence, with lives lost each year due to the hazardous road conditions. He called on the provincial and federal governments to allocate funds and prioritize this critical infrastructure project to prevent further loss of life and improve the overall well-being of the community
Strategic Importance and Neglect
Several speakers pointed out the geopolitical significance of the Mastuj-Broghul road. Bordering Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor and in proximity to Tajikistan and China, this area could become a crucial connector for trade and tourism, contributing to both the local economy and national interests. Yet, despite its importance, the region has been largely ignored in terms of infrastructure development.
For the local population, however, the lack of a proper road has more immediate consequences. With no reliable transport network, the community struggles to access markets to sell their agricultural products, including the abundant crops grown in the region and fruits, much of which goes to waste. Moreover, the absence of tourism infrastructure has left this picturesque region—blessed with stunning mountains, glaciers, and verdant valleys—undiscovered by tourists, despite its potential to become one of Pakistan’s premier tourist destinations.
A Cry for Development and Tourism Promotion
The rally’s participants made it clear that they are not only asking for a road; they are demanding their basic rights as citizens of Pakistan. In the words of one local leader, “In 2024, it is unacceptable that an entire region is left isolated due to the absence of a fundamental infrastructure. A road is not a luxury—it is a necessity for our community’s survival and growth.”
The rally’s demand is only one point agenda the immediate construction and blacktopping of the Mastuj-Broghul road, which they believe would serve as a catalyst for broader regional development. Along with road access, they called for the promotion of tourism, which could transform the local economy and provide livelihoods for the people of Upper Chitral.
Conclusion
The peaceful demonstration in Brep marks a pivotal moment for the people of Upper Chitral. Their call for road infrastructure is not only a plea for development but also a reminder of the region’s untapped potential. The Mastuj-Broghul road could unlock opportunities in tourism, trade, and local enterprise, improving the standard of living for the community while contributing to the wellbeing of the state. For now, the people of Mastuj and Broghul await a response from the government, hopeful that their voices will be heard and their demands met.
The grand Jalsa served as a unified call to action, urging the government to allocate the necessary resources and expedite the black-topping project. With sustained community advocacy and ongoing pressure, residents are optimistic that meaningful progress will be made in the near future.
About Author: Abdur Rashid Khan, serving as data analyst and quality assurance executive Riphah healthcare service Islamabad.
