Tariq Saeed
Peshawar
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan has said PTI provincial government was focusing on the accelerated development of the merged areas as the development of tribal districts was the top most priority of incumbent government.
“My government is going all out to ensure rapid and sustainable development of merged areas so that issues of tribal people could be addressed on priority basis. The Developmental Strategy of provincial government will usher new era of development and prosperity in merged areas”.
CM Mehmood Khan said while addressing the Jirgas of tribal elders during his day long visit to tribal district South Waziristan on Thursday. He was also accompanied by the Corps Commander Peshawar Lt. General Nauman Mahmood and IG FC south Major General Umar Bashir. Mehmood Khan said efforts were being made to setup border markets and economic zones in merged areas with the aim to provide maximum employment opportunities to the local peoples.
The Chief Minister addressed Jirgas of tribal elders at Kaniguram and Toi Khulla and performed ground breaking 41 Km long Kotki-Karama-Koniguram road, 10 Km long Jana Tai- Takai-Nishpa road, and inaugurated 40 bedded category-D hospital Toi Khulla. The hospital provides quality healthcare facilities in six different specialties. Mehmood Khan said being Chief Minister of this province, he was fighting at all available forums for the rights of tribal people.
He said that matter regarding provision of Rs. 100 billion developmental package annually for tribal districts had been taken up in the recent meeting of the Council of Common Interest where he made it clear that during current financial year, developmental funds less than Rs. 50 billion would not be accepted at any cost adding that only Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had fulfilled its commitment with regards to provision of 3% of NFC share.
Other provinces should also fulfill their commitments and ensure provision of 3% of their NFC share for the tribal district, he added. He also stated that the matter regarding exemption in taxes for additional five years had been taken up with the Prime Minister and expressed the hope for positive response to this effect.
