CAD minister creating hurdles in working of MCI

Islamabad: The members of the Metropolitan Corporation of Islamabad (MCI) during stormy session of the MCI on Tuesday raised issue of occupation of the state land in rural areas of the federal capital and also accused the Minister of State for Capital Administration and Development (CAD) Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry of creating hurdles in working of the corporation.

Chaudhry Manzoor, one of the Union Council chairman from the ruling party while speaking on a point of order raised issue of occupation of state land in Bani Gala, Chatta Bakhtawar, Jaba Teli and other rural areas of Islamabad which falls in constituency of Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry saying that no action had been taken against land mafia.

He said high-rise flats had been constructed on the state land but no government department came into action against the mafia despite the fact that concerned authorities were also informed about the illegal activity.

The opposition leader, Ali Awan, coming harsh on the Minister of State for CAD said the minister was responsible for delay in giving powers and funds to MCI. “The minister has done nothing except from having photo sessions with Muhammad Nawaz Sharif,” he said.

Ali Awan said the performance of MCI had started improving since Dr. Tariq Fazal was visiting the accountability courts. He also alleged that Dr. Tariq Fazal never took elected representatives at the local government level on spending on development projects.

As the opposition leader was criticising attitude of the minister, the Islamabad Mayor Sheikh Ansar Aziz intervened saying that it was not the proper forum to discuss a cabinet member. He asked the MCI members to take up issue relating to the Metropolitan Corporation.

The MCI members, however, praised the Islamabad Mayor for arranging over Rs13 billion development funds from the federal government. Chief Metropolitan Officer Najaf Iqbal said that a budget of Rs13.8 billion had been approved for 12 development projects including water supply schemes, construction of roads in some rural areas, improvement of sewerage system, construction of Sewerage Treatment Plants, up gradation of Islamabad Zoo, horticultural plans etc.