KARAK: Vowing to develop all backward areas of the province, Chief Minister Mahmood Khan on Saturday inaugurated several development projects in Karak district.
During his day-long visit, the chief minister announced initiation of construction work on Karak Oil Refinery this year and also inaugurated extension and rehabilitation of a gas project, on which Rs1994.990 million would be spent in its first phase.
The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs9 billion, which includes rehabilitation of 65km gas pipeline. The project is expected to benefit 150,000 residents.
In an attempt to address the longstanding issue of clean drinking water in the district, Mahmood Khan also inaugurated construction of infiltration galleries, pipelines and sump wells for various areas, which will be completed at an estimated cost of Rs3 billion and is expected to be completed within six months. The project would provide approximately 250,000 gallons of clean drinking water to Zarkai Nasrati, Siraj Khel, Chowkara, Takth Nasrati and Khada Banda areas. The chief minister also inaugurated two Rescue 1122 stations, which have been completed at an estimated cost of Rs264.43 million in Karak city and Tehsil Banda Daud Shah. In order to promote educational activities and quality education, the chief minister inaugurated the standardization of seven higher secondary schools, which would be completed at an estimated cost of Rs40 crores whereas for promotion of communication networks, Mahmood Khan inaugurated the project for construction and rehabilitation of various roads under which 22km of roads would be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs250 million.
Addressing a public gathering after the inaugural ceremonies, Mahmood Khan announced more development packages for the district including solarisation of schools, establishment of sports complex and construction and strengthening of communication roads in various parts of the district.
He stated that the upgradation of DHQ hospital and Prime Ministers Agriculture Emergency Programme would also be inaugurated soon. He affirmed that the provincial government would fight for the gas, oil and electricity rights of the district on every platform and would ensure spending of the gas royalty funds on the development of Karak district only.
Minister for State Shehryar Afridi, MNA Shahid Khattak, Minister Finance Taimur Saleem Jhagra, ex-minister Imtiaz Shahid Qureshi, ex-advisor on prisons Malik Qasim, MPA Faisal Amin Gandapur, MPA and DDAC chairman Asyaa Khattak and others were also present on the occasion.
