In the wake of a near-fatal cable car incident in Battagram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gulfaraz, a 20-year-old survivor, has come forward with a fervent plea for the government to enhance the infrastructure in his village.
Gulfaraz, who narrowly escaped the harrowing incident, recounted his experience in an exclusive interview with Geo News on Wednesday.
The cable car, which was carrying passengers including schoolchildren, women, and elderly individuals, suffered a catastrophic failure when two of its three cables snapped midway, leaving the commuters stranded some 600 feet above the valley. “When the rope broke, we lost hope for life, after which we kept remembering Allah,” Gulfaraz recounted, his voice trembling with the memory of the ordeal.
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The incident has brought to light the precarious situation faced by residents of remote areas who are forced to rely on traditional, yet risky, means of transportation due to the lack of proper roads and bridges. Gulfaraz expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the status quo and called on the government to take immediate action.
“Our union council lacks roads and bridges. The situation is terrible,” Gulfaraz conveyed, underscoring the urgency of addressing the dire conditions faced by villagers. He also highlighted the issues with mobile network connectivity in the region, exacerbating the difficulties during emergencies.
Following an arduous 15-hour rescue operation, the Pakistan Army successfully saved Gulfaraz and seven other stranded individuals from the cable car. The operation involved a combination of helicopter and ground efforts, as well as the expertise of local cable-crossing specialists.
Gulfaraz’s experience has galvanized his determination to advocate for change. He urged his fellow villagers and travelers to carry essential supplies like food and water due to the unpredictable nature of such journeys. Most importantly, he directed his plea toward the government, demanding immediate action to construct bridges and roads in the area.
Locals helped tremendously to save the people stuck on the chairlift. They are heaping praise on social media for