Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Deputy Speaker Suriya Bibi directed the Information and Public Relations Department to expedite the development of Pakhtunkhwa Radio in Upper Chitral to improve access to information, public awareness and communication between the government and local communities.

During a review meeting on August 19, attended by Director General Information and Public Relations Ansar Khilji and other officials, Bibi instructed the department to complete all necessary procedures, including the installation of a transmission tower and establishment of a studio, so the project could enter the implementation phase.

Ansar Khilji briefed the meeting that a technical team had conducted a detailed survey of Upper Chitral and assessed government sites and buildings for the radio studio and transmission tower.

A site in Booni, the district headquarters, was selected for the FM station after considering electricity supply, accessibility and other technical requirements.

Khilji said the funds currently available for the project were limited and that a summary seeking additional funding had been submitted. He added that importing transmitters, along with renovation, tendering and procurement procedures, could delay the project.

However, he assured the deputy speaker that the department was working to complete it as soon as possible.

Bibi emphasised the importance of the FM station for the remote and geographically challenging district, saying it would provide timely information on natural disasters, weather, health, education and other public matters. She also said the station would promote the local language, culture, traditions and talent, highlight community issues and create educational, informative and creative opportunities for young people.

She praised the department’s efforts and reiterated the need to accelerate the project, describing improved communication and public-service infrastructure as essential to addressing the underdevelopment of Upper Chitral.