Raza Naqvi Attock
The residents of Bhal (Dhok Tarap), have protested against the injustices of Ratana Oil Field which has been working in this area of Tehsil Jand Distt Attock for the last three decades almost 100 km away from district headquarters.
The residents shouted slogans against the injustices done to them by the high ups of the oil field and also blocked the road leading to the company.
They said that because of exploration of oil and gas by this company, their fertile lands had become barren, environment polluted but no facility was being given to the residents of the area as they all were law abiding citizens.
They alleged that the oil company was neither giving them job opportunities nor giving them welfare funds as per the existing rules and constitution of the country.
The residents told media men that there was no health facility available and the residents had to go to THQ Hospital Jand almost 25 km away. Moreover there was no clean driniking water, roads and other facilities available for them.
They said, oil companies in other areas provide not only jobs to the locals but also allocate funds for the development of the area but Ratana Oil Field was doing nothing. No officer of Ratana Oil Field was available for comments.
Assistant Commissioner Jand Ejaz Abdul Karim when contacted for his comments said that the issue was in his knowledge and he had asked the locals to have a meeting with him and apprise him about their grievances.
He said that after getting all the details he will have a meeting with the high ups of the company and will ask them to facilitate the people as per the rules and regulations.
