Residents of Chitral have pushed back against a newly announced traffic schedule that would shut the Lowari Tunnel for half of each day, a move they say threatens safety and mobility in the region. The National Highway Authority (NHA) unveiled the plan on Sunday, triggering immediate condemnation from local commuters and political figures alike. Main Developments The NHA's notification outlines a rotational closure system: the tunnel would close for three hours, then reopen for three hours, repeating this cycle to total 12 hours of daily shutdowns. Officials argue the revised schedule aims to smooth traffic flow through the 10-kilometre passage, which currently handles thousands of vehicles each day on a round-the-clock basis. Chitral residents have rejected the NHA's reasoning, warning that the abrupt three-hour closures would cause severe congestion at both ends of the tunnel. Hundreds of vehicles would pile up during each shutdown, and when the gates reopen, a massive convoy would enter the unfinished structure simultaneously—raising fears of dangerous emissions buildup given the absence of a proper ventilation system. Read also: Pakistan Ulema Council: Talks Only with Constitution-Accepting Groups Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz spokesman Niaz A. Niazi condemned the decision as "wrong, illogical and incomprehensible" in a press release. He highlighted that the Kohat and Swat tunnels face no such timing restrictions, calling the Lowari closure "open discrimination" and demanding its immediate withdrawal. Background The Lowari Tunnel serves as a vital transport corridor connecting Chitral to the rest of Pakistan, especially during winter months when alternative routes become impassable. Its construction has been ongoing, and the structure lacks a fully installed ventilation system—a key concern for those who would be forced to wait in confined spaces. In a separate but related development, Rescue 1122 Lower Chitral has established joint Quick Response Teams in the vulnerable valleys of Golen, Madaklasht, and Arkari. This move follows an alert from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) about potential glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) triggered by a sudden temperature surge. Why It Matters The tunnel's closure schedule would directly impact thousands of daily passengers, including students, women, patients, and children, forcing them into prolonged waits and potential health risks from vehicle emissions. Niazi warned that the plan would inflict "unbearable traveling hardships" on these groups, who rely on the tunnel for access to education, healthcare, and other essential services. Beyond immediate inconvenience, the dispute highlights broader questions about infrastructure management and regional equity. Residents see the NHA's approach as inconsistent with how other major tunnels are operated, fueling perceptions of neglect toward Chitral's needs. What's Next Niazi has called for the immediate withdrawal of the order, but no official response from the NHA has been reported yet. Meanwhile, the quick response teams in Golen, Madaklasht, and Arkari are already operational, with Deputy Commissioner Lower Chitral, Rao Hashim, and the District Emergency Officer inspecting GLOF-prone areas to assess preparedness. The emergency plan includes enhancing the local Early Warning System and collaborating with volunteers to build community resilience. Whether the NHA revises its tunnel schedule remains an open question, but the backlash suggests the issue is far from settled.