Hoto Bridge Restored After BYO President Protest warning

Following a warning by Muhammad Abbas Askole, President of the Braldo Youth Organization (BYO), the Public Works Department of Shigar has restored the Hoto Bridge for pedestrian traffic. One of the bridge’s towers had been washed away due to river erosion, severely affecting mobility in the region.

President Abbas had announced in a video message that a major protest would be held on Monday if reconstruction of the bridge did not begin within two to three days.

He stated that road access had been entirely cut off due to the damaged bridge, halting both local travel and international tourism.

He further added that, in the absence of alternative routes, people—especially women—who rely on the bridge for essential travel were left stranded. Students studying in other cities, who were on vacation, are now unable to return to their educational institutions as deadlines approach.

Abbas also highlighted that residents in the connected valleys are facing a shortage of food, beverages, and medical supplies due to the disruption.

While the Deputy Commissioner had assured quick reconstruction, Abbas noted that no significant progress had been made even after seven days had passed since the incident.

Criticizing the authorities, Abbas referenced a recent incident in Karachi where a camel’s legs were cut off, asking, “When will our demands be taken seriously? Do you not consider us human? Why do you charge trekking royalties when there is no mercy for the people living here?”

He demanded a permanent solution to the recurring damage of the Kaiwa and Hoto bridges, noting that ice freezes the bridge in winter and the river erodes it in summer. He alleged that all the region’s development funds have been consumed by these two projects while the rest of the area remains neglected.

Abbas also criticized the elected MLAs, claiming they only visit the area for weddings or funerals and disappear after winning elections.

The BYO president urged the authorities to address the matter on an urgent basis and emphasized the need for wise site selection. Otherwise, he warned, large-scale protests will follow.