ISLAMABAD - Although the Government has decided to convert Lowari Rail Tunnel into a road tunnel to save money, yet its completion is a far cry. The Government is releasing fund for this important project at a very low pace as only about Rs 1 billion is provided yearly for the project, said high-placed sources in the Ministry while talking to The Nation. It is worth mentioning here that the project was converted into road project after around 20 years and now delay in funding may cause another couple of years for its completion. Recently, it was informed in a high-level meeting that 43 per cent work of the Tunnel had been completed. The meeting was also informed that tunnel was initially designed as rail tunnel but later on it was converted into road tunnel and it was further decided to widen it for two-way traffic. Minister for Communication Arbab Alamgir Khan has also shown dissatisfaction over the pace of work. When contacted, Arbab Alamgir said that the shortage of funds was the main reason behind the delay in this important project. I am making all-out efforts for the completion of this project, he said, adding that it could face further delay if funding was not released in time. It may be mentioned here that Lowari Tunnel was part of a 1,300 km road project that would link Pakistan with Tajikistan. The Lowari Tunnel was an important project not only for the people of Chitral but also for the entire country.