No Personal Grudge Against Institutions, Criticism by a Few Won’t Deter Me: Sarawat Shah
Chitral (Chitral Express) – Vice Chairman of Kalash Rumbur, Sarawat Shah, has reiterated his stance against the alleged irregularities in development work carried out by Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), and Ayun Valley Development Programme (AVDP) in the Kalash Valleys. Addressing a press conference at Chitral Press Club on Thursday, accompanied by Vice Chairman of Bumburet Valley, Buzurg Ahmed, he stated that he holds no personal grudge against any of these institutions. His only concern, he said, is to ensure that the funds meant for these underprivileged areas are used properly to alleviate poverty.
Sarawat Shah dismissed the recent press conference held in his opposition, saying it was orchestrated by individuals who are themselves allegedly involved in these irregular practices and are benefiting from substandard development projects.
He showed visual evidence to journalists of construction work in Rumbur, including in Justkhan, under AKAH’s supervision, that began deteriorating just months after completion. He alleged that contractors and their local collaborators pocketed significant profits while delivering low-quality work.
Responding to critics, Shah emphasized that those who spoke against the institutions are neither illiterate nor being manipulated. Rather, they are sincere individuals concerned about their community’s welfare and have the full support of the local population. “This support is the reason we have consistently won local body elections, and we are confident of continued success in the future,” he added.
