ut fish.
Dorah Pass provides the shortest transit route to reach the Central Asian States, which are rich in uncapped naturalresources.The total distance from Chew Bridge in Chitral town to the Oxus River is about 180 Km.
Shah Salim, which is the last village on the side of Pakistan, is connected to the pass. After crossing the pass, there are a few small villages in the Afghan side before one reaches Tajikistan. These villages are Singlich, Oskotal, Poroo, Keida, Zebak and finally Shikashum. As the road is in poor condition, it takes about eight hours to reach the destination. If a standard road is constructed, in six to seven hours one will cross the Oxus River to reach Tajikistan from Chitral town.
As Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched his vision of One Belt One Road Initiative and CPEC, the OBOR flagship project is progressing well towards its objectives. This process of connectivity will not end with the completion of CPEC projects in Pakistan but the process of connectivity will go on with inclusion of other countries reviving the old silk route connectivity. There appeared rapid changes in the world alliances and the concept of sole super power seems dwindling with the advent of China as a competitor to USA.
Consequently, new alliance of China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran and Turkey is a brilliant testimony. In addition, the Shingai Cooperation Organization (SCO) under the leadership of China is also becoming inimical to USA and its natural alliance. The sudden withdrawal of American and NATO forces and the lightning occupation of Afghanistan by Taliban bear the fact. It is expected that terrorist and miscreant elementsthat formerly had safe sanctuaries inside Afghanistan will find it difficult to carry on their ill agenda to sabotage CPEC activities. And the good news is that Taliban government has expressed its interest to be part of CPEC.China, Russia, Paksitan, Iran, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan all are on the same page and endeavouring to establish an inclusive and stable government in Afghanistan.
The leadership of Pakistan Tehreek Insaf has not only approved the Chitral Dorah Road and Chitral Shandur road but has also notified staff for land acquisition for the roads. Chitral-Shandur road will be connected to Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral-Dorah road will be connected to the Central Asian republics via Afghanistan. However, for the latter’s connectivity, peace and stability in Afghanistan is a priority.
With the connection of Central Asian Republics, Chitral will be in a leading position. Shah Salim will become a dry port and commercial hub. Tourism will be promoted. Existing cultural relationsbetween Chitral and CARs will be enhanced as majority of Chitralis trace their cultural roots to these states. Employments for the locals will be increased which will improve livelihoods of the people of Chitral. In conclusion, this connectivity will change the overall socio economic conditions of the people of Pakistan.