Minister for involving LG reps in identifying uplift schemes

PESHAWAR: Caretaker Minister for Newly Merged Districts’ Affairs Dr Aamer Abdullah on Friday said that the local government representatives should be involved in identifying new schemes under the World Bank’s Risk Project for tribal districts.

A handout said that he made these remarks during a meeting with a group of tehsil chairmen and tribal leaders from newly merged districts. The discussion centered around development processes, public issues and potential collaboration.

Said Badshah from Bajaur, Tehsil Chairman Taj Maluk from Lower South Waziristan, Tehsil Chairman Ahmad Said from North Waziristan, Tehsil Chairman Ehsanullah from Upper Kurram, Tehsil Chairman Maulana Saleh from Upper South Waziristan and Tehsil Chairman Maulana Tahir Orakzai from Orakzai attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the minister highlighted the de-notification of a committee by the federal government to allow the use of funds in the tribal districts through the province to incorporate the perspective of local representatives of the local governments.

Acknowledging financial constraints and Election Commission of Pakistan’s restrictions on launching new uplift projects, the minister promised efforts to secure funding for ongoing projects in merged districts. He noted that funds have been allocated to TMAs for salary payments, and efforts would be made to include the opinions of local body chairmen in the planning of new projects.

The minister said two solar energy projects were being executed in merged districts. He said funds had been released for the construction of the Ghalanai Road in Mohmand tribal district.