Chitral Vision 2034: A Path to Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience

Sustainable Management of Natural and Cultural Resources: By 2034, Chitral aims to sustainably manage its natural and cultural resources, ensuring that development aligns with conservation. This is vital for both the protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable economic growth.

By Luke Rehmat | Ishpata News

In the wake of a rapidly changing world, Chitral stands at a crossroads. The Chitral Vision 2034 presents a roadmap for the region's sustainable development and climate resilience. The ambitious plan seeks to transform Chitral into a hub of regional trade, technological innovation, and environmental stewardship. Yet, as promising as these goals are, the challenges of implementation, political will, and resource mobilization cast a shadow over this vision.

Critical Milestones and Events by 2034

The Chitral Vision 2034 highlights several key milestones:

Sustainable Management of Natural and Cultural Resources: By 2034, Chitral aims to sustainably manage its natural and cultural resources, ensuring that development aligns with conservation. This is vital for both the protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable economic growth.

Regional Connectivity: By 2030, Chitral is projected to connect with regional countries through key passes, including Arandu, Boroghil, Shandur, and Sheikh Saleem, boosting regional trade and connectivity. This would position Chitral as a critical trade corridor in the region.

Mega Hydropower Projects: By 2030, the completion of large-scale hydropower projects is expected to generate significant revenue for the district, addressing local energy needs and contributing to the provincial economy.

High-Tech ICT Infrastructure: By 2028, Chitral aims to be digitally connected, with the development of advanced ICT infrastructure. IT parks will be established, providing quality training to youth, including girls, transgender, and differently-abled individuals.

Climate Resilience: Climate resilience guidelines will be implemented, leading to a climate-resilient Chitral. Efforts will include a 10% increase in forest cover, the restoration of 20,000 acres of degraded forest, and enhanced value chain development for non-timber forest products, generating an estimated PKR 2 billion in revenue.

Kalasha Heritage and UNESCO: The Kalasha Valleys will be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving the region's unique cultural identity for future generations.

Basic Services and Infrastructure: By 2034, 100% of basic service institutions will be equipped with the necessary infrastructure to ensure access to clean drinking water and improved environmental sanitation, significantly enhancing the quality of life in Chitral.

Challenges on the Ground: The Reality Behind the Vision

While the vision is promising, there is growing concern among the people of Chitral about the feasibility of achieving these goals. Many feel that past strategies have led to repeated discussions with little tangible progress. The absence of strong leadership from elected representatives is a major issue, as they have not actively participated in forums or secured resources for Chitral's development.

There is also a significant gap in coordination between provincial and local governments. Many local leaders, including Tehsil Chairmen, express disappointment in their inability to enact meaningful change due to a lack of support and resources from the provincial government. This disconnect raises questions about how Chitral’s vision for 2034 can be realized, especially in terms of funding and implementation.

Climate Resilience: The Greatest Challenge

One of the most pressing concerns for Chitral is climate resilience. The district faces severe risks from climate change, including glacial melt, erratic weather patterns, and the increasing frequency of natural disasters. While the vision for a climate-resilient Chitral is clear, the question remains: how will these ambitious goals be funded and executed? The uncertainty around financial resources and political will is a major hurdle, leaving many to question whether the vision can be translated into reality.

However, despite the challenges, there is still hope. During the foresight workshops organized by the UNRCO in collaboration with the KP Planning & Development Department, many participants expressed optimism. They believe that with collective efforts, Chitral can overcome these obstacles and achieve its vision. A UN representative emphasized that Pakistan, with its rich resources, can achieve rapid progress if there is a strong commitment to action, citing the success of the  (SIF) project, which achieved remarkable results in just six months.

Moving Forward: Collective Action and Inclusivity

As a social and human rights activist, I believe that the key to Chitral’s success lies in collective action. We must not lose hope, but instead focus on what we can contribute, no matter how small. Nations like China and India have demonstrated the power of utilizing human resources to turn dreams into reality. Chitral, too, can harness its potential, but we must move beyond excuses and start taking concrete steps towards progress.

Inclusivity is critical to the success of this vision. Unfortunately, I have observed individuals who, rather than engaging with the wider community, push their own agendas. This is counterproductive. True progress requires the input and consensus of all stakeholders. We cannot afford to let minor differences derail the collective effort toward a brighter future for Chitral.

A Call to Action

The Chitral Vision 2034 offers a hopeful and transformative future for the region. However, realizing this vision requires more than just plans on paper—it demands action, cooperation, and unwavering commitment from all levels of government, international agencies, and the people of Chitral themselves.

The journey to a peaceful and prosperous Chitral begins now, with a renewed focus on collaboration and inclusivity. Starting with the Kalasha Valleys, we can set the stage for broader development that benefits all of Chitral’s communities. It’s time to put aside grievances, embrace our collective potential, and work together to make this vision a reality.

Chitral’s future is in our hands. Let’s make it a future we can all be proud of.

Written by Luke Rehmat, social and fundamental rights activist from the Kalash community. Founder and CEO of Ishpata Group of Companies.
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