The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has allocated only Rs. 1,000 in its 2026-27 budget for the ambitious Dir-Chitral Motorway project. The total estimated cost of the project stands at Rs. 63 billion. This very small “token” amount has surprised many people and raised questions about the government’s real commitment to the scheme.
The proposed motorway aims to greatly improve road connectivity in northern Pakistan. It will link Dir with Chitral and help boost trade, tourism, and travel in the region. Better roads can bring economic growth to remote areas, create jobs, and make it easier for people to move goods and access services.
Critics say such a tiny allocation shows weak priority for this important infrastructure project. However, some officials explain that governments often put symbolic amounts in the budget to keep projects officially alive. This allows them to seek proper funding later from federal or international sources.
So far, no clear timeline for construction or detailed financing plan has been shared. The project has been discussed for years, but slow progress continues to disappoint residents who need better roads.
