KALAM: The persistent deterioration of the main highway leading to the Kalam Valley has sparked serious concern among residents, the business community, and visiting tourists. Despite the destruction of approximately five kilometres of the road during the 2022 floods, the reconstruction of this vital artery remains incomplete years later, leaving the region in a state of logistical distress.
Local stakeholders point out that Kalam serves as one of Pakistan’s premier tourist hubs, attracting millions of visitors annually and hosting billions of rupees in private investment within the hotel and trade sectors. However, the dilapidated state of the road has severely hampered daily traffic flow and is dealing a significant blow to the local tourism industry. Traders and citizens report that business activities have reached a standstill as tourist arrivals dwindle, while locals face increasingly gruelling travel conditions.
Public circles have formally called upon Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan and Amir Muqam to take immediate notice of the situation, emphasising that the highway falls under the jurisdiction of the National Highway Authority (NHA). Residents are urging the government to prioritise the rehabilitation of Kalam Road, arguing that it is not merely a transport route but a critical lifeline for the local economy and the livelihoods of thousands of families who depend on national tourism.
