Aam Olas EpisodesSocial Issues

Aam Olas Ep 54: Upper Dir Kohistan – Paradise Neglected

In Aam Olas Ep 54 (Part 1), Yousaf Jan Utmanzai travels to Upper Dir Kohistan, a region blessed with extraordinary natural beauty—but burdened by long-standing neglect.

Upper Dir Kohistan is often described as a paradise on earth.
Yet for those who live here, paradise comes with pain.


Aam Olas Ep 54

Beauty That Masks Deep Suffering

Pakistan’s northern regions are rich in landscapes that few countries can match. Snow-covered peaks, green valleys, and fresh mountain air surround Upper Dir Kohistan.

But behind this breathtaking scenery lies a harsh reality:

  • Broken and dangerous roads
  • Almost no healthcare facilities
  • Low literacy rates
  • Collapsed public infrastructure

The contrast between beauty and suffering is impossible to ignore.


Residents Speak: “Reaching a Hospital Is a Matter of Fate”

During his visit, Yousaf Jan Utmanzai spoke with local residents to understand their daily struggles.

Their answers echoed the same pain:

  • Transporting a patient to a hospital can take hours
  • Roads are so damaged that ambulances often cannot reach villages
  • Many patients die on the way before medical help is available

One resident shared a tragic example:

A young girl recently lost her life because the road was too rough to reach the hospital in time.

Another resident described life with heartbreaking simplicity:

Here, when you fall sick, there are only two possibilities—either you recover on your own, or you die.


Healthcare and Roads: The Two Biggest Crises

In Upper Dir Kohistan and nearby villages:

  • There are no proper hospitals
  • Clinics lack staff and equipment
  • Roads are unsafe even for normal travel

These two issues combined have turned basic survival into a daily challenge.

Healthcare is not a luxury—it is a right.
And roads are not just infrastructure—they are lifelines.


Tourism Without Infrastructure

Despite these hardships, Upper Dir Kohistan continues to attract visitors because of its natural charm.

But tourists face the same risks:

  • Long travel delays
  • No emergency medical support
  • Unsafe road conditions

Tourism cannot flourish sustainably without basic public services.


A Call for Responsibility, Not Sympathy

This episode is not a complaint—it is a call for responsibility.

The people of Upper Dir Kohistan are:

  • Citizens of Pakistan
  • Contributors to the country’s culture and heritage
  • Entitled to the same rights as anyone else

Development should not depend on geography.


Aam Olas Has Raised the Issue

Aam Olas has done its part by bringing this reality to light.

Now the responsibility lies with:

  • Government departments
  • Policymakers
  • Relevant authorities

Ignoring these problems means accepting preventable deaths and continued suffering.


Final Reflection: Paradise Needs Protection

Calling Upper Dir Kohistan a Paradise on Earth is easy.
Protecting the people who live there requires effort.

Aam Olas Ep 54 (Part 1) asks a simple question:

How long will beauty be celebrated while human suffering is ignored?

Upper Dir Kohistan deserves:

  • Safe roads
  • Functional hospitals
  • Education for its children
  • A future worthy of its beauty

If you have thoughts or suggestions, share them respectfully in the comments.
Awareness is the first step toward justice and development.


Disclaimer

This article is published for informational and public awareness purposes only. Conditions and services may change over time. Travelers are advised to plan responsibly.

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