Who is responsible for the maintenance of the neglected Abbottabad to Mansehra road?

It's our government’s duty to maintain our roads and take responsibility for the troubles faced by these people.

Umar Farooq April 30, 2016
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif recently visited Mansehra and Abbottabad. In his visit, he promised to build the first university for women in the area, introduce a gas supply system and launch the second phase of the motorway.

This announcement was much needed.

But what needs more attention is the terrible condition of the road from Abbottabad to Mansehra. This road connects the northern areas to the rest of Pakistan. Considering it is a widely used road, it deserves to be in immaculate condition. Over 10 years have passed and not a single plan has been made to ameliorate the road conditions. Furthermore, matters have deteriorated to such an extent that it’s no longer bearable.



It is of utmost important that our prime minister looks into this matter as well, considering it requires serious efforts from the federal end. Perhaps he can take a road trip to Mansehra and Abbottabad to experience the significance of this matter himself.



Who exactly is responsible for the maintenance of the Karakoram Highway (KKH)? Does it not fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government or the National Highway Authority (NHA)? Mansehra and Abbottabad are places which will act as an important route for the China Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC); it will have an adverse impact on our image in front of the Chinese.



Moreover, this has adversely impacted tourism, leaving a negative impression on foreigners that visit the area.

That being said, it is our government’s duty to maintain our roads. They should take complete responsibility for the trouble they have caused the people who have been using this road for the past decade.

All photos: Umar Farooq
WRITTEN BY:
Umar Farooq The author is founder of HCP Group & Tech Valley. He is a serial entrepreneur and avid supporter of innovation & social entrepreneurship with a vision to change KP through inculcating the values of social innovation and technology in the region.
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

COMMENTS (6)

Mir of Hazara | 7 years ago | Reply Road from Hassan Abdal right upto Khujerab Pass is KKH ( Karakuram Highway ) and it is a National Highway . Building , repairing and maintenance of all National Highways fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government .
oats | 7 years ago Instead of pointing fingers, why not do your bit and also be a good citizen and keep roads clean and adhere to laws. No matter how much money you spend on roads, people have to understand their responsibilities including road weight restrictions and things that damage roads. I see Muslim people in Britain always tell social service workers in the welfare office that the government should give them this and this because they don't work and are on assistance. Never do they admit their own responsibility to want to work and get off the dole and get out of a counsel flat. Nawaz Sharif may have improved motorways and things in Pakistan the past 3 years and Imran Khan may have improved policing in KPK but what about us doing our bit?
Parvez | 7 years ago | Reply Does this not fall in KPK ?
anonymous | 7 years ago IT doesn't fall under provincial government of KP... - Secondly the governor of KP belong to PMLN .. - So PMLN is not willing to act on the demands of PM which is from PTI....
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