**Newly Appointed Deputy Commissioner of Lower Chitral Pledges Collaboration with AKRSP for Regional Development**
Mr. Rao M. Hashim Azeem, the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner of Lower Chitral, has expressed his commitment to fostering development in the region during his recent visit to the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) Regional Programme Office. He was briefed by AKRSP officials on ongoing interventions and future strategies focused on improving the quality of life for local communities.
During the visit, Mr. Azeem commended AKRSP’s significant contributions to enhancing the socio-economic conditions of Chitral. He reiterated the importance of robust public-private partnerships and pledged his support to further strengthen collaboration between government agencies and development organizations such as AKRSP, which operates under the umbrella of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
In discussions with AKRSP leadership, the Deputy Commissioner outlined his administration’s plans to broaden digital connectivity throughout Lower Chitral. Drawing attention to the region’s potential, he highlighted initiatives to promote freelance work opportunities via global platforms like Amazon, aiming to spur local economic growth and employment.
Mr. Azeem also emphasized youth engagement as a developmental priority. He announced upcoming efforts to promote sports activities as an effective strategy to engage young people and address the region’s growing challenge of drug addiction among youth. By combining digital initiatives with social and recreational programs, the district administration aims to foster innovation, resilience, and healthier lifestyles among Chitral’s younger population.
The joint commitment of government officials and development organizations is expected to play a vital role in the ongoing rural development and socio-economic upliftment of Lower Chitral.
