eye-eye-PTI
Chief Minister (5k+ posts)
Syed Haider Imam ... you are doing a wonderful job bro by keeping us up to date on KP matters. Keep up the good work.
KPK Updates
- Thread starter Syed Haider Imam
- Start date
Syed Haider Imam
Chief Minister (5k+ posts)
Re: Update on KPK hydel projects
Another deadline: Bab-e-Peshawar flyover to be completed in 120 days
PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Pervez Khattak has announced the construction of Bab-e-Peshawar flyover will be completed within 120 days.
The deadline for the mega project was announced during the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday. The event was attended by the chief minister, Minister for Local Government Inayatullah Khan and other government officials.
The two-level flyover project will be constructed on Hayatabad-Jamrud Road at the cost of Rs1.77 billion. “The provincial government has signed an agreement with National Logistics Cell (NLC), a construction company,” Khattak said. “Under the agreement, the project must be completed within four months.”
He said the provincial government will assign more projects to the state-owned company if it manages to deliver on time.
“The provincial government believes in transparency and that is why we have given the contract to NLC,” read a handout issued by the information directorate the same day.
Securing border areas
During the ceremony, Khattak vowed to guarantee security measures to ensure Hayatabad becomes a safe part of the city.
He ordered the local government minister to install CCTV cameras and provide phase-wise security to residents of Hayatabad over the next six months. “Action will be taken against relevant departments if security is not guaranteed in Hayatabad within six months,” he said.
Moreover, the chief minister urged relevant authorities to install street lights and security cameras in Hayatabad to restore the beauty of township.
Speaking on the occasion, the local government minister, who is affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami, a coalition partner of the government, said they would restore Peshawar’s image as the “city of flowers”.
“For the first time in the history of the city, we have introduced a mechanical sweeping system,” he said. “The culture and history of the city will be [preserved].” The minister added a flyover on Charsadda Road would also be completed soon.
Big plans, big bucks
Khattak said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led government has decided to prioritise the Peshawar Uplift Programme (PUP) which was introduced by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government.
“Peshawar is our home and we will not compromise the beautification of the provincial capital,” he said.
“The flyover would reduce traffic jams in the area.” The chief minister pledged to complete construction of link roads and begin an air-conditioned bus service in the city after work on the flyover is completed.
He added Rs6 billion has been allocated for PUP under which the city’s routes will be extended, including GT Road. Furthermore, he claimed the PTI-led government will launch more anti-encroachment drives across the province and take action against the illegal occupation of property.
According to the information directorate’s handout, the chief minister said Rs34 billion was being spent on the beautification of the city to restore the city’s lost glory.
Transfer of power
Khattak criticised opposition parties for deceiving the people of the province. “Leaders of the opposition parties have failed to mobilise support in their favour,” he added.
According to the chief minister, the Punjab and Sindh governments have failed to devolve power to the grass-roots level.
“Only the K-P government has allocated a sizeable portion of the Annual Development Fund to the local government,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 18[SUP]th[/SUP], 2015.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/905342/...peshawar-flyover-to-be-completed-in-120-days/
Another deadline: Bab-e-Peshawar flyover to be completed in 120 days
PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Pervez Khattak has announced the construction of Bab-e-Peshawar flyover will be completed within 120 days.
The deadline for the mega project was announced during the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday. The event was attended by the chief minister, Minister for Local Government Inayatullah Khan and other government officials.
The two-level flyover project will be constructed on Hayatabad-Jamrud Road at the cost of Rs1.77 billion. “The provincial government has signed an agreement with National Logistics Cell (NLC), a construction company,” Khattak said. “Under the agreement, the project must be completed within four months.”
He said the provincial government will assign more projects to the state-owned company if it manages to deliver on time.
“The provincial government believes in transparency and that is why we have given the contract to NLC,” read a handout issued by the information directorate the same day.
Securing border areas
During the ceremony, Khattak vowed to guarantee security measures to ensure Hayatabad becomes a safe part of the city.
He ordered the local government minister to install CCTV cameras and provide phase-wise security to residents of Hayatabad over the next six months. “Action will be taken against relevant departments if security is not guaranteed in Hayatabad within six months,” he said.
Moreover, the chief minister urged relevant authorities to install street lights and security cameras in Hayatabad to restore the beauty of township.
Speaking on the occasion, the local government minister, who is affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami, a coalition partner of the government, said they would restore Peshawar’s image as the “city of flowers”.
“For the first time in the history of the city, we have introduced a mechanical sweeping system,” he said. “The culture and history of the city will be [preserved].” The minister added a flyover on Charsadda Road would also be completed soon.
Big plans, big bucks
Khattak said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led government has decided to prioritise the Peshawar Uplift Programme (PUP) which was introduced by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government.
“Peshawar is our home and we will not compromise the beautification of the provincial capital,” he said.
“The flyover would reduce traffic jams in the area.” The chief minister pledged to complete construction of link roads and begin an air-conditioned bus service in the city after work on the flyover is completed.
He added Rs6 billion has been allocated for PUP under which the city’s routes will be extended, including GT Road. Furthermore, he claimed the PTI-led government will launch more anti-encroachment drives across the province and take action against the illegal occupation of property.
According to the information directorate’s handout, the chief minister said Rs34 billion was being spent on the beautification of the city to restore the city’s lost glory.
Transfer of power
Khattak criticised opposition parties for deceiving the people of the province. “Leaders of the opposition parties have failed to mobilise support in their favour,” he added.
According to the chief minister, the Punjab and Sindh governments have failed to devolve power to the grass-roots level.
“Only the K-P government has allocated a sizeable portion of the Annual Development Fund to the local government,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 18[SUP]th[/SUP], 2015.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/905342/...peshawar-flyover-to-be-completed-in-120-days/
Syed Haider Imam
Chief Minister (5k+ posts)
Re: Update on KPK hydel projects
Imran’s defence: ‘Cannot imagine bad-mouthing judiciary’
PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan told the Peshawar High Court he has considerable respect for the judiciary and cannot imagine criticising the courts.
He said this through a written reply submitted on Thursday before a two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel and Justice Haider Ali Khan. The judges were hearing the petition filed by Qaiser Khan, a resident of Hayatabad, against the initiation of proceedings by a dispute resolution council (DRC).
On May 27, the high court had ordered the suspension of all DRCs in the province till further directives were issued. The decree was extended till September 17 during the instant hearing.
Imran had gone on record against the stay orders only two days after the court’s decision.
“Imran expressed dismay over the stay order granted by the PHC against DRCs formed in K-P at local police stations,” read a statement issued by the party on May 29. “For the PHC to give a stay order halting the functioning of these committees is undemocratic.”
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Advocate General Abdul Latif Yousafzai presented Imran’s response, following a June 2 show-cause notice issued to the PTI chief over his remarks on the aforementioned stay.
In the written reply, the PTI supremo maintained his comments were taken out of context. He commended the performance of DRCs through which as many as 509 disputes have been resolved since their inception.
“I have the highest regard for the courts. I meant to say efforts will be made to request the court to vacate the interim order,” the reply added.
No affidavit
CJ Miankhel remarked no affidavit has been attached with the response. “How do I believe that it has been written by Imran?” he asked. The AG told the court he was asked to submit the response on behalf of the PTI chairman and reaffirmed the authenticity of the reply.
DRCs were set up in police stations in a bid to ensure the amicable resolutions of petty disputes. They followed principles similar to those of the traditional jirga but were instead patronised by law-enforcement agencies.
The petitioner claimed he had been asked to appear before a DRC over a complaint filed against him in a monetary dispute.
He was being threatened to pay back the money and Hayatabad police repeatedly came to him and asked him to appear before the DRC secretary. He added the proceedings were illegal and the DRCs had no statutory backing and could neither replace the court of law nor enforce its own decisions.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 19[SUP]th[/SUP], 2015
http://tribune.com.pk/story/905963/imrans-defence-cannot-imagine-bad-mouthing-judiciary/
Imran’s defence: ‘Cannot imagine bad-mouthing judiciary’
PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan told the Peshawar High Court he has considerable respect for the judiciary and cannot imagine criticising the courts.
He said this through a written reply submitted on Thursday before a two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel and Justice Haider Ali Khan. The judges were hearing the petition filed by Qaiser Khan, a resident of Hayatabad, against the initiation of proceedings by a dispute resolution council (DRC).
On May 27, the high court had ordered the suspension of all DRCs in the province till further directives were issued. The decree was extended till September 17 during the instant hearing.
Imran had gone on record against the stay orders only two days after the court’s decision.
“Imran expressed dismay over the stay order granted by the PHC against DRCs formed in K-P at local police stations,” read a statement issued by the party on May 29. “For the PHC to give a stay order halting the functioning of these committees is undemocratic.”
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Advocate General Abdul Latif Yousafzai presented Imran’s response, following a June 2 show-cause notice issued to the PTI chief over his remarks on the aforementioned stay.
In the written reply, the PTI supremo maintained his comments were taken out of context. He commended the performance of DRCs through which as many as 509 disputes have been resolved since their inception.
“I have the highest regard for the courts. I meant to say efforts will be made to request the court to vacate the interim order,” the reply added.
No affidavit
CJ Miankhel remarked no affidavit has been attached with the response. “How do I believe that it has been written by Imran?” he asked. The AG told the court he was asked to submit the response on behalf of the PTI chairman and reaffirmed the authenticity of the reply.
DRCs were set up in police stations in a bid to ensure the amicable resolutions of petty disputes. They followed principles similar to those of the traditional jirga but were instead patronised by law-enforcement agencies.
The petitioner claimed he had been asked to appear before a DRC over a complaint filed against him in a monetary dispute.
He was being threatened to pay back the money and Hayatabad police repeatedly came to him and asked him to appear before the DRC secretary. He added the proceedings were illegal and the DRCs had no statutory backing and could neither replace the court of law nor enforce its own decisions.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 19[SUP]th[/SUP], 2015
http://tribune.com.pk/story/905963/imrans-defence-cannot-imagine-bad-mouthing-judiciary/
eye-eye-PTI
Chief Minister (5k+ posts)
Re: ..... Naya kpk .....
Iss cheez ko Patwar Khana kesay samjhay gaa ke yeh nizam ki behtaree ki taraf aik intehayee ahem qadam hai?
By the way pehli pic mein aik typing mistake hai ... " Data Entry " ki jagah " Date Entry " likha hua hai, agar koi KP official yeh message parh raha hai to please yeh ghalatee theek ker dijye.
Iss cheez ko Patwar Khana kesay samjhay gaa ke yeh nizam ki behtaree ki taraf aik intehayee ahem qadam hai?
By the way pehli pic mein aik typing mistake hai ... " Data Entry " ki jagah " Date Entry " likha hua hai, agar koi KP official yeh message parh raha hai to please yeh ghalatee theek ker dijye.
Shahid Abassi
Chief Minister (5k+ posts)
Re: Update on KPK hydel projects
i just wish that imran khan had forbidden kpk government to put these name plates to the projects.
i just wish that imran khan had forbidden kpk government to put these name plates to the projects.
another deadline: Bab-e-peshawar flyover to be completed in 120 days
peshawar: chief minister pervez khattak has announced the construction of bab-e-peshawar flyover will be completed within 120 days.
the deadline for the mega project was announced during the inauguration ceremony on wednesday. The event was attended by the chief minister, minister for local government inayatullah khan and other government officials.
the two-level flyover project will be constructed on hayatabad-jamrud road at the cost of rs1.77 billion. “the provincial government has signed an agreement with national logistics cell (nlc), a construction company,” khattak said. “under the agreement, the project must be completed within four months.”
he said the provincial government will assign more projects to the state-owned company if it manages to deliver on time.
“the provincial government believes in transparency and that is why we have given the contract to nlc,” read a handout issued by the information directorate the same day.
securing border areas
during the ceremony, khattak vowed to guarantee security measures to ensure hayatabad becomes a safe part of the city.
he ordered the local government minister to install cctv cameras and provide phase-wise security to residents of hayatabad over the next six months. “action will be taken against relevant departments if security is not guaranteed in hayatabad within six months,” he said.
moreover, the chief minister urged relevant authorities to install street lights and security cameras in hayatabad to restore the beauty of township.
speaking on the occasion, the local government minister, who is affiliated with jamaat-e-islami, a coalition partner of the government, said they would restore peshawar’s image as the “city of flowers”.
“for the first time in the history of the city, we have introduced a mechanical sweeping system,” he said. “the culture and history of the city will be [preserved].” the minister added a flyover on charsadda road would also be completed soon.
big plans, big bucks
khattak said the pakistan tehreek-e-insaf-led government has decided to prioritise the peshawar uplift programme (pup) which was introduced by the pakistan tehreek-e-insaf government.
“peshawar is our home and we will not compromise the beautification of the provincial capital,” he said.
“the flyover would reduce traffic jams in the area.” the chief minister pledged to complete construction of link roads and begin an air-conditioned bus service in the city after work on the flyover is completed.
he added rs6 billion has been allocated for pup under which the city’s routes will be extended, including gt road. Furthermore, he claimed the pti-led government will launch more anti-encroachment drives across the province and take action against the illegal occupation of property.
according to the information directorate’s handout, the chief minister said rs34 billion was being spent on the beautification of the city to restore the city’s lost glory.
transfer of power
khattak criticised opposition parties for deceiving the people of the province. “leaders of the opposition parties have failed to mobilise support in their favour,” he added.
according to the chief minister, the punjab and sindh governments have failed to devolve power to the grass-roots level.
“only the k-p government has allocated a sizeable portion of the annual development fund to the local government,” he said.
published in the express tribune, june 18[sup]th[/sup], 2015.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/905342/...peshawar-flyover-to-be-completed-in-120-days/
mufasa ace
Banned
Re: ..... Naya kpk .....
Jaanu
Councller (250+ posts)
Re: Update on KPK hydel projects
Another deadline: Bab-e-Peshawar flyover to be completed in 120 days
PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Pervez Khattak has announced the construction of Bab-e-Peshawar flyover will be completed within 120 days.
The deadline for the mega project was announced during the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday. The event was attended by the chief minister, Minister for Local Government Inayatullah Khan and other government officials.
The two-level flyover project will be constructed on Hayatabad-Jamrud Road at the cost of Rs1.77 billion. The provincial government has signed an agreement with National Logistics Cell (NLC), a construction company, Khattak said. Under the agreement, the project must be completed within four months.
He said the provincial government will assign more projects to the state-owned company if it manages to deliver on time.
The provincial government believes in transparency and that is why we have given the contract to NLC, read a handout issued by the information directorate the same day.
Securing border areas
During the ceremony, Khattak vowed to guarantee security measures to ensure Hayatabad becomes a safe part of the city.
He ordered the local government minister to install CCTV cameras and provide phase-wise security to residents of Hayatabad over the next six months. Action will be taken against relevant departments if security is not guaranteed in Hayatabad within six months, he said.
Moreover, the chief minister urged relevant authorities to install street lights and security cameras in Hayatabad to restore the beauty of township.
Speaking on the occasion, the local government minister, who is affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami, a coalition partner of the government, said they would restore Peshawars image as the city of flowers.
For the first time in the history of the city, we have introduced a mechanical sweeping system, he said. The culture and history of the city will be [preserved]. The minister added a flyover on Charsadda Road would also be completed soon.
Big plans, big bucks
Khattak said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led government has decided to prioritise the Peshawar Uplift Programme (PUP) which was introduced by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government.
Peshawar is our home and we will not compromise the beautification of the provincial capital, he said.
The flyover would reduce traffic jams in the area. The chief minister pledged to complete construction of link roads and begin an air-conditioned bus service in the city after work on the flyover is completed.
He added Rs6 billion has been allocated for PUP under which the citys routes will be extended, including GT Road. Furthermore, he claimed the PTI-led government will launch more anti-encroachment drives across the province and take action against the illegal occupation of property.
According to the information directorates handout, the chief minister said Rs34 billion was being spent on the beautification of the city to restore the citys lost glory.
Transfer of power
Khattak criticised opposition parties for deceiving the people of the province. Leaders of the opposition parties have failed to mobilise support in their favour, he added.
According to the chief minister, the Punjab and Sindh governments have failed to devolve power to the grass-roots level.
Only the K-P government has allocated a sizeable portion of the Annual Development Fund to the local government, he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 18[SUP]th[/SUP], 2015.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/905342/...peshawar-flyover-to-be-completed-in-120-days/
مزہ تو اب آئے گا . ان کھوتوں سے ایک سو بیس دن میں کام مکمل نہیں ہونا. میں یہ پوسٹ سنمبھال کر رکھوں گا. کتے والی کرنے کے کام آئے گی
Syed Haider Imam
Chief Minister (5k+ posts)
June 14 2015
Panel to suggest VCs for KP universities
PESHAWAR: The higher education department has initiated the formation of academic search committee to recommend appointment of vice chancellors to the government universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Under the recently amended Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Universities Act 2013, the academic search committee will be functional for two years.
In the past, such committees were formed for a short period to fill vice chancellor vacancies and were abolished after the job was done.
Provincial higher education minister Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani told Dawn that former federal minister for science and technology Dr Attaur Rehman would be the chairman of the academic search committee.
Minister says academic search committee will be in place within 10 days
The Universities Act states, “an academician of national/international repute with at least 50 international publications who shall be the chairman and convener of the academic search committee to be nominated by the chief executive of the province.”
According to it, two of the country’s most eminent educationists from outside the province having academic administrative experience as chairman, dean and vice chancellor will be members of the committee besides others.
The minister said former State bank o Pakistan governor Dr Ishrat Hussain, who was currently the director of Institute of Business Administration, Karachi, and former vice chancellor of Lahore University of Management Sciences Sohail Naqvi, had been selected as members of the committee from outside the province.
Under the law, one eminent academician or researcher of the province with additional experience of working with the industry or government agencies will be member from the province.
Ghani said former vice chancellor of Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Dr G M Miana, who was currently the rector of the Ripha University, Islamabad, had been selected from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The fourth members of the committee is the provincial higher education secretary, who will act as the secretary of the academic search committee.
Prior to the amendments in the universities act, the committee for the appointment of vice chancellors was more political as under the law, the higher education minister used to be the chairman of the committee.
Other members of the committee were MPA and chairman of the standing committee on higher education, chief secretary, three eminent members of the society, two eminent educationists, secretaries of relevant administrative departments, and higher education secretary.
Ghani said the process of the committee formation would be completed within 10 days.
“Efforts have been made to depoliticise the committee for the recommendation of vice chancellors aimed at to appoint talented and brilliant administrative heads of the public sector universities,” he said.
He said unlike the past, after the formation of high-level academic search committee, vice chancellors would be appointed purely on merit.
“One can expect good vice chancellors with the selection of non-political members of the committee and its chairman,” he said.
In the previous governments, the vice chancellors having political affiliation were pointed which led to financial and administrative problems in the public sector universities, sources in HED said.
They said the new committee had less members compared to the previous one and therefore, it would help in the decision-making process.
The sources claimed that no province had such a high-level committee for appointment of vice chancellors.
Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188149/panel-to-suggest-vcs-for-kp-universities
Programme for special people’s rehabilitation
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is embarking on a plan for rehabilitation and patronage of special people.
Initially, Rs50 million will be distributed among 10,123 handicapped people, while more schemes are also in the pipeline, especially in the coming fiscal budget.
Dr Mehar Taj Roghani, adviser to the chief minister, said this while addressing the annual day and certificate distribution ceremony at Frontier Law College, Peshawar, on Saturday.
Other speakers, including principal of the college Akhtar Ali Shah, appreciated the steps of the present government for elimination of corruption and ensuring transparency in the society.
Dr Roghani asked the graduating law students to work with enthusiasm for providing cheap and speedy justice to people, especially the poor, as they had to become lawyers and judges in practical life.
She said that ensuring supremacy of merit, law and justice in the society was the goal of present provincial government and sought support of the lawyers in this regard.
She claimed that the government was actively pursuing the agenda of change, adding that record legislation had been done to bring about discipline in government affairs and ensure relief for the poor.
The adviser said that a special programme was being started for proper care of the orphan and street children with close liaison of foreign donors.
“Hospitals for rehabilitation of drug addicts are being increased, while condition of Darul Amans for helpless and stranded women improved to mitigate their miseries,” she said.
Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188141/programme-for-special-peoples-rehabilitation
Panel to suggest VCs for KP universities
PESHAWAR: The higher education department has initiated the formation of academic search committee to recommend appointment of vice chancellors to the government universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Under the recently amended Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Universities Act 2013, the academic search committee will be functional for two years.
In the past, such committees were formed for a short period to fill vice chancellor vacancies and were abolished after the job was done.
Provincial higher education minister Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani told Dawn that former federal minister for science and technology Dr Attaur Rehman would be the chairman of the academic search committee.
Minister says academic search committee will be in place within 10 days
The Universities Act states, “an academician of national/international repute with at least 50 international publications who shall be the chairman and convener of the academic search committee to be nominated by the chief executive of the province.”
According to it, two of the country’s most eminent educationists from outside the province having academic administrative experience as chairman, dean and vice chancellor will be members of the committee besides others.
The minister said former State bank o Pakistan governor Dr Ishrat Hussain, who was currently the director of Institute of Business Administration, Karachi, and former vice chancellor of Lahore University of Management Sciences Sohail Naqvi, had been selected as members of the committee from outside the province.
Under the law, one eminent academician or researcher of the province with additional experience of working with the industry or government agencies will be member from the province.
Ghani said former vice chancellor of Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Dr G M Miana, who was currently the rector of the Ripha University, Islamabad, had been selected from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The fourth members of the committee is the provincial higher education secretary, who will act as the secretary of the academic search committee.
Prior to the amendments in the universities act, the committee for the appointment of vice chancellors was more political as under the law, the higher education minister used to be the chairman of the committee.
Other members of the committee were MPA and chairman of the standing committee on higher education, chief secretary, three eminent members of the society, two eminent educationists, secretaries of relevant administrative departments, and higher education secretary.
Ghani said the process of the committee formation would be completed within 10 days.
“Efforts have been made to depoliticise the committee for the recommendation of vice chancellors aimed at to appoint talented and brilliant administrative heads of the public sector universities,” he said.
He said unlike the past, after the formation of high-level academic search committee, vice chancellors would be appointed purely on merit.
“One can expect good vice chancellors with the selection of non-political members of the committee and its chairman,” he said.
In the previous governments, the vice chancellors having political affiliation were pointed which led to financial and administrative problems in the public sector universities, sources in HED said.
They said the new committee had less members compared to the previous one and therefore, it would help in the decision-making process.
The sources claimed that no province had such a high-level committee for appointment of vice chancellors.
Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188149/panel-to-suggest-vcs-for-kp-universities
Programme for special people’s rehabilitation
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is embarking on a plan for rehabilitation and patronage of special people.
Initially, Rs50 million will be distributed among 10,123 handicapped people, while more schemes are also in the pipeline, especially in the coming fiscal budget.
Dr Mehar Taj Roghani, adviser to the chief minister, said this while addressing the annual day and certificate distribution ceremony at Frontier Law College, Peshawar, on Saturday.
Other speakers, including principal of the college Akhtar Ali Shah, appreciated the steps of the present government for elimination of corruption and ensuring transparency in the society.
Dr Roghani asked the graduating law students to work with enthusiasm for providing cheap and speedy justice to people, especially the poor, as they had to become lawyers and judges in practical life.
She said that ensuring supremacy of merit, law and justice in the society was the goal of present provincial government and sought support of the lawyers in this regard.
She claimed that the government was actively pursuing the agenda of change, adding that record legislation had been done to bring about discipline in government affairs and ensure relief for the poor.
The adviser said that a special programme was being started for proper care of the orphan and street children with close liaison of foreign donors.
“Hospitals for rehabilitation of drug addicts are being increased, while condition of Darul Amans for helpless and stranded women improved to mitigate their miseries,” she said.
Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188141/programme-for-special-peoples-rehabilitation
Syed Haider Imam
Chief Minister (5k+ posts)
Re: Update on KPK hydel projects
June 15 2015
Special focus on education in KP budget
PESHAWAR: The PTI-led coalition government is set to present its third budget on Monday carrying an approximate Rs142 billion Annual Development Programme.
Minister for Finance Muzafar Said, who will present the budget in the provincial assembly, told Dawn that total size of the budget would be over 472 billion with special focus on education.
“Major chunk of the budget will go to education sector including primary, secondary, higher, technical and vocational,” said the minister, who belongs to Jamaat-i-Islami.
Before the assembly session, Chief Minister Pervez Khattak will chair cabinet meeting on Monday to approve budget for 2015-16.
Sources said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government would replicate the scheme of Punjab government in the budget by introducing lifetime token scheme for 1000cc cars. Muzafar Said confirmed that lifetime token scheme had been proposed in the new budget. Earlier, the provincial government had introduced the same scheme for motorcycles.
“It will be one time token scheme and 1000cc cars would be exempted from depositing token forever,” the minister said.
Over Rs472 billion budget to be unveiled today
Official sources said that cattle markets, fruit markets, cinemas and products’ exhibitions would be brought in the tax net while changes in property tax had been proposed to control deficit and increase revenue. Categorisation of residential houses has been proposed in the new budget to increase ratio of the property tax.
These sources said that total size of the new ADP would be around Rs150 billion including Rs30 billion foreign components.
To enhance the province’s revenue, it has been decided to lease out maximum number of mines. Sources said that Rs10 billion would be allocated from the province’s own resources and Rs3 billion would be arranged through foreign assistance for elementary and secondary education.
It is worth mentioning that controversies still persist over the utilisation of the existing ADP worth Rs139.8 billion. The provincial government has time and again claimed on different forums that it would utilise maximum fund earmarked for the development projects. However, the observers and budget analysts disagree with the government stance, saying the government would be unable to utilise the entire ADP fund with 15 days left to end the financial year.
On June 5, the Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA), an NGO, urged the provincial government to expedite utilisation of fund for Annual Development Programme as it could only utilise 45 per cent of the fund.
According to the CGPA statement, out of total allocation of Rs139.80 billion under KP ADP for 2014-15, Rs124.1 billion has already been released. While only Rs62.9 billion, which is 45 per cent of ADP budget, was utilised till June 5, says the statement while quoting figures of the provincial finance department.
In response to the CGPA statement, the planning and development department issued another statement that the progress of ADP2014-15 is steadily moving towards attaining optimal utilisation in the current financial year.
It claimed that till the end of May 2015, the development departments had utilised Rs 68 billion against releases of Rs100.05 billion with a ratio of 67.5 per cent. In addition, Rs 30.1 billion foreign assistance had also been utilised with a ratio of 75 per cent.
Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188326/special-focus-on-education-in-kp-budget
[h=1]Car lifters’ gang busted[/h]ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Car Lifting Cell (ACLC) of the capital police claimed to have busted a gang involved in stealing vehicles and demanding ransoms from their owners.
However, the police are confused how the suspects used mobile phones to contact the owners of the stolen cars without being traced because all non-registered SIMs have been blocked in the country.
According to a police spokesperson, on a tip-off a team of the ACLC intercepted a car (AFH-9004) at the Motorway Chowk which was driven by a resident of Bannu.
The police recovered a 30-bore pistol and three mobile phones from the driver.
The engine and chassis numbers of the vehicle were found tampered, he added.
During the preliminary investigation, the accused confessed to lifting cars from Islamabad and different parts of Punjab along with his two accomplices.
The suspect said after stealing the cars they used to contact their owners from a mobile phone to strike a deal and return the cars to them.
The police record showed that the two accomplices of the arrested man had already spent some time in jail on car lifting charges but were later released on bail. The police have formed separate teams to also arrest the two suspects.
Investigation officer (IO) of the case Manzoor Elahi while quoting the statement of the arrested man said the mobile phone SIM which was used to contact the car owners was bought by the suspect from the tribal areas for Rs5,000. “We have decided to find out who is the owner of the SIM as all the non-registered SIMs have been blocked in the country,” he said.
In reply to a question, the IO said the suspect also stated that most of the owners left their business cards along with the registration book and other papers in their cars so the thieves contacted them on that numbers to strike a deal.
“If the stolen car is worth Rs800,000, they usually would say that they purchased the vehicle for Rs300,000 from the thieves and wanted to sell it for Rs500,000.
Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2015
[h=1]Use of substandard material in jail construction found[/h]
LAKKI MARWAT: The communication and works department of Lakki Marwat has deposited Rs1.6 million in government kitty as fine over the use of substandard material in the construction of the district jail.
The development came after a technical team of the anti-corruption establishment pointed out the anomaly.
Lakki Marwat ACE circle officer Shahid Adnan told Dawn that the probe into the use of low quality material in the putting up of the jail building was initiated on the orders of ACE provincial director Ziaullah Toru.
He said ACE technical experts from Peshawar visited the district and conducted a thorough inquiry into the matter.
“During the probe, experts learned that substandard construction material was used in the prison’s construction,” he said, adding that technical officials also assessed the losses caused by the contractor in connivance with the communication and works officials to the government exchequer.
[h=4]C&W dept deposits Rs1.6m fine in government kitty[/h]
Adnan said officials of communication and works department deposited Rs1.6 million in government kitty and that further action into the matter was underway.
He said the ACE team paid surprise visits to Government Girls Middle School in Tajori and basic health units in Naverkhel and Begukhel village and municipal committee offices in Naurang town and found several staff members absent from duty.
“A total of Rs155,000 was deducted from the salary of truant employees,” he said.
The ACE circle officer said the team raided drugstores of the Government City Hospital and district health offices, collected samples of lifesaving drugs and sent them to laboratory for examination.
END TO PAY DISPARITY DEMANDED: The irrigation department’s patwari association has demanded the immediate end to disparity in the basic pay scales of patwaris of revenue and irrigation departments.
Provincial president of the association Mehboob Shah told reporters here in Serai Gambila area that disparity in pay scales had caused unrest among patwaris of the irrigation department.
“Patwaris of the revenue department are working in BPS-9, while which those doing the same job in the irrigation department holds BPS-5 scale,” he said.
Shah said disparity in pay scales was against the principles of justice and therefore, the provincial government should take the necessary corrective measures.
“Disparity in pay scales of patwaris with similar academic qualifications and professional skills is beyond comprehension,” he said.
He asked the government to fulfil promise of making the pay scale of patwaris of all departments equal.
Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188337/use-of-substandard-material-in-jail-construction-found
June 15 2015
Special focus on education in KP budget
PESHAWAR: The PTI-led coalition government is set to present its third budget on Monday carrying an approximate Rs142 billion Annual Development Programme.
Minister for Finance Muzafar Said, who will present the budget in the provincial assembly, told Dawn that total size of the budget would be over 472 billion with special focus on education.
“Major chunk of the budget will go to education sector including primary, secondary, higher, technical and vocational,” said the minister, who belongs to Jamaat-i-Islami.
Before the assembly session, Chief Minister Pervez Khattak will chair cabinet meeting on Monday to approve budget for 2015-16.
Sources said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government would replicate the scheme of Punjab government in the budget by introducing lifetime token scheme for 1000cc cars. Muzafar Said confirmed that lifetime token scheme had been proposed in the new budget. Earlier, the provincial government had introduced the same scheme for motorcycles.
“It will be one time token scheme and 1000cc cars would be exempted from depositing token forever,” the minister said.
Over Rs472 billion budget to be unveiled today
Official sources said that cattle markets, fruit markets, cinemas and products’ exhibitions would be brought in the tax net while changes in property tax had been proposed to control deficit and increase revenue. Categorisation of residential houses has been proposed in the new budget to increase ratio of the property tax.
These sources said that total size of the new ADP would be around Rs150 billion including Rs30 billion foreign components.
To enhance the province’s revenue, it has been decided to lease out maximum number of mines. Sources said that Rs10 billion would be allocated from the province’s own resources and Rs3 billion would be arranged through foreign assistance for elementary and secondary education.
It is worth mentioning that controversies still persist over the utilisation of the existing ADP worth Rs139.8 billion. The provincial government has time and again claimed on different forums that it would utilise maximum fund earmarked for the development projects. However, the observers and budget analysts disagree with the government stance, saying the government would be unable to utilise the entire ADP fund with 15 days left to end the financial year.
On June 5, the Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA), an NGO, urged the provincial government to expedite utilisation of fund for Annual Development Programme as it could only utilise 45 per cent of the fund.
According to the CGPA statement, out of total allocation of Rs139.80 billion under KP ADP for 2014-15, Rs124.1 billion has already been released. While only Rs62.9 billion, which is 45 per cent of ADP budget, was utilised till June 5, says the statement while quoting figures of the provincial finance department.
In response to the CGPA statement, the planning and development department issued another statement that the progress of ADP2014-15 is steadily moving towards attaining optimal utilisation in the current financial year.
It claimed that till the end of May 2015, the development departments had utilised Rs 68 billion against releases of Rs100.05 billion with a ratio of 67.5 per cent. In addition, Rs 30.1 billion foreign assistance had also been utilised with a ratio of 75 per cent.
Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188326/special-focus-on-education-in-kp-budget
[h=1]Car lifters’ gang busted[/h]ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Car Lifting Cell (ACLC) of the capital police claimed to have busted a gang involved in stealing vehicles and demanding ransoms from their owners.
However, the police are confused how the suspects used mobile phones to contact the owners of the stolen cars without being traced because all non-registered SIMs have been blocked in the country.
According to a police spokesperson, on a tip-off a team of the ACLC intercepted a car (AFH-9004) at the Motorway Chowk which was driven by a resident of Bannu.
The police recovered a 30-bore pistol and three mobile phones from the driver.
The engine and chassis numbers of the vehicle were found tampered, he added.
During the preliminary investigation, the accused confessed to lifting cars from Islamabad and different parts of Punjab along with his two accomplices.
The suspect said after stealing the cars they used to contact their owners from a mobile phone to strike a deal and return the cars to them.
The police record showed that the two accomplices of the arrested man had already spent some time in jail on car lifting charges but were later released on bail. The police have formed separate teams to also arrest the two suspects.
Investigation officer (IO) of the case Manzoor Elahi while quoting the statement of the arrested man said the mobile phone SIM which was used to contact the car owners was bought by the suspect from the tribal areas for Rs5,000. “We have decided to find out who is the owner of the SIM as all the non-registered SIMs have been blocked in the country,” he said.
In reply to a question, the IO said the suspect also stated that most of the owners left their business cards along with the registration book and other papers in their cars so the thieves contacted them on that numbers to strike a deal.
“If the stolen car is worth Rs800,000, they usually would say that they purchased the vehicle for Rs300,000 from the thieves and wanted to sell it for Rs500,000.
Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2015
[h=1]Use of substandard material in jail construction found[/h]
LAKKI MARWAT: The communication and works department of Lakki Marwat has deposited Rs1.6 million in government kitty as fine over the use of substandard material in the construction of the district jail.
The development came after a technical team of the anti-corruption establishment pointed out the anomaly.
Lakki Marwat ACE circle officer Shahid Adnan told Dawn that the probe into the use of low quality material in the putting up of the jail building was initiated on the orders of ACE provincial director Ziaullah Toru.
He said ACE technical experts from Peshawar visited the district and conducted a thorough inquiry into the matter.
“During the probe, experts learned that substandard construction material was used in the prison’s construction,” he said, adding that technical officials also assessed the losses caused by the contractor in connivance with the communication and works officials to the government exchequer.
[h=4]C&W dept deposits Rs1.6m fine in government kitty[/h]
Adnan said officials of communication and works department deposited Rs1.6 million in government kitty and that further action into the matter was underway.
He said the ACE team paid surprise visits to Government Girls Middle School in Tajori and basic health units in Naverkhel and Begukhel village and municipal committee offices in Naurang town and found several staff members absent from duty.
“A total of Rs155,000 was deducted from the salary of truant employees,” he said.
The ACE circle officer said the team raided drugstores of the Government City Hospital and district health offices, collected samples of lifesaving drugs and sent them to laboratory for examination.
END TO PAY DISPARITY DEMANDED: The irrigation department’s patwari association has demanded the immediate end to disparity in the basic pay scales of patwaris of revenue and irrigation departments.
Provincial president of the association Mehboob Shah told reporters here in Serai Gambila area that disparity in pay scales had caused unrest among patwaris of the irrigation department.
“Patwaris of the revenue department are working in BPS-9, while which those doing the same job in the irrigation department holds BPS-5 scale,” he said.
Shah said disparity in pay scales was against the principles of justice and therefore, the provincial government should take the necessary corrective measures.
“Disparity in pay scales of patwaris with similar academic qualifications and professional skills is beyond comprehension,” he said.
He asked the government to fulfil promise of making the pay scale of patwaris of all departments equal.
Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188337/use-of-substandard-material-in-jail-construction-found
Last edited:
Syed Haider Imam
Chief Minister (5k+ posts)
Re: Update on KPK hydel projects
June 16 2015
After militancy, Tirah faces threat of deforestation
LANDI KOTAL: With the rehabilitation activity gaining momentum in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency, the forests in the picturesque area face serious threat owing to cutting of trees by local residents both for reconstruction of their damaged houses and smuggling the precious timber to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces.
A survey conducted by Fata Disaster Management Authority with the assistance of some donor agencies last year said that around 14,000 (80 per cent) houses in Bagh-Maidan and surrounding localities of the valley were in urgent need of reconstruction as most of those were without roofs.
Local residents told Dawn that they used timber of the local forest to cover roofs of their houses which they had built decades ago. They said that Taliban torched the houses of most of their opponent while fleeing the valley after the start of military operation early last year. They also took along precious timber worth millions of rupees which was used in rooftops, windows and doors of thousands of houses.
The government had pledged to provide every family with Rs400,000 for reconstruction of completely destroyed house and Rs100,000 for partially damaged one but keeping in view the high cost of construction in the valley the amount would be enough for reconstruction of just a single room, Ali Akbar, a resident of Zakhakhel, told Dawn.
Local people say forests are being cut for reconstruction of houses and smuggling of timber
He said that all the construction material was transported from Peshawar, Kohat and Hangu via Haider Kandaw Pass. He added that most of the people were relying on the timber of the local forest to provide shelter to their families. He, however, said that every local tribe had formed village committees to keep a check on illegal cutting of local forest and allow cutting of trees according to the mutually agreed quota.
Mr Akbar said that provision of free galvanised iron sheets and poplar timber from the settled districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and even parts of Fata on subsidised rates for reconstruction of their damaged roofs could considerably ease pressure on local forest.
Said Zameer, another resident of Bagh, told Dawn that despite formation of local village committees, large number of trees were felled on daily basis as the timber was smuggled to Peshawar and parts of Punjab province.
The timber merchants in Kukikhel area of Tirah valley also alleged that timber worth million of rupees was ‘stolen’ from the warehouses in Mehraban Kallay and smuggled to Peshawar. They claimed that they were able to spot the stolen timber in the markets of Peshawar.
The timber merchants in Mehraban Kallay including Haji Kitab Shah, Khanimullah, Akhtar Mohammad and Anar Jan told Dawn in Jamrud that unidentified gunmen had stolen timber from there warehouses despite the fact that the area was still under the control of security forces. They wondered as to how the smugglers managed to take the stolen timber out the area, which was under the control of army.
They said that prices of timber used in construction had increased manifold both in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab owing to the steps taken by the government to control forest cutting and timber smuggling.
The resident of Sheen Kamar area of Bara told this scribe by phone that a group of Zaodin-Zakhakhel and Sipah tribe had been busy in illegal cutting of local forest for the last three years. They said that two to three trucks loaded with forest wood were being smuggled out of the area every week despite the fact that security forces were stationed in Sheen Kamar.
They said that they had lodged several complaints with the officials of political administration and security forces, demanding a ban on illegal cutting of forest in Sheen Kamar, but to no avail.
Situation in Jhut Darra, Eggo Mela, Wouch Naw and Taju localities of Qambarkhel tribe in Tirah was no different as timber smugglers had been cutting local forests for the last two years, sources said.
Wajid Khan, a local tribesman, told Dawn that around 1,200 Qambarkhel families had to leave their homes about three years ago when Taliban took control of Tirah valley. They were residing in Saddar and surrounding localities of Kurram Agency, he added.
He said that most of the displaced families were sent back to their homes in Tirah after restoration of peace but the residents of the four localities situated near Zarra Mela on border with the Kurram Agency were still awaiting their return as the security forces had not yet de-notified those areas.
He alleged that taking advantage of their long absence, residents of some bordering villages of Masuzai tribe of Kurram Agency had started stealing timber from their forest. He said that the elders of his tribe had requested the local commanders of security forces to allow them to prevent the cutting of their forest but they were not allowed to go back to their homes to protect their precious forest.
Sher Nawaz Khan, the director of Forests Fata, when contacted, said that no law existed in Fata that could prevent illegal cutting of forest. He said that his department was holding jirgas with local elders to persuade them to stop forest cutting. “This is the maximum we can do as the forest laws are not yet extended to Fata,” he added.
Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188534/after-militancy-tirah-faces-threat-of-deforestation
Police to use most funds on salary in next fiscal
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has allocated Rs32.75 billion for the police during the next financial year.
Of the money, Rs28.57 billion is meant for salary, Rs4.18 billion for non-salary and operational expenses and Rs2.98 million for development expenditure, revealed the budget 2015-16 announced by finance minister Muzaffar Said in the provincial assembly on Monday.
The minister said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been severely affected by terrorism and therefore, budgetary allocations for law-enforcement agencies had been increased.
“Increase in budgetary allocations for law and order is meant to ensure effective and professional provision of public security and law enforcement. The government will build capacity of law-enforcement agencies, improve infrastructure for law enforcement agencies, improve infrastructure for jails, and build capacity for better planning,” he said.
On average, budget for the provincial police has gone up 15 percent during the last five years with the greatest increase of 24 percent seen in 2012-13.
According to the budget documents, Rs32.75 billion has been allocated for jails and convict settlements in 2015-16.
In 2014-15, the money originally allocated for the purpose was Rs1.3 billion, which was later revised to Rs175 million.
The budget allocated for home department in the next fiscal is Rs1.44 billion.
Originally, it was Rs1.16 billion during 2014-15 but was later revised to Rs1.96 billion.
The budget documents showed that massive allocations had been made for the programme of building police stations, checkposts and police lines and procure equipment to fight terrorism and improve security.
The money allocated for prison department is for construction and rehabilitation of jails, and solar energisation, provision of water filtration plants and better security checks in jails.
For the department, Rs3.5 billion has been earmarked. The money will be spent on 57 projects, including 40 ongoing (Rs3.1 billion) and 17 new (Rs405 million).
The documents said the law and order budget would be used to strengthen the Directorate of Provincial Public Safety and Police Complaints Commission and its district formations, and enhance the capacity of bomb disposal unit of police department.
Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188537/police-to-use-most-funds-on-salary-in-next-fiscal
Waiting for the change
PESHAWAR: The budget document of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa like the previous years is more about brick and mortar than initiatives that would bring the change the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf promised when voted to power.
Some projects with interesting names like Jurassic park, Tabdeeli centers and Zmong Kor catch the eye of the reader but they are not any different from the schemes initiated by the previous government.
If the Mutahidda Majlis-i-Amal government set up centers for beggars under the name Daar-ul-Kafala, the PTI government is going to name a home for street children with Zamong Kor. Absence of innovative and long term effective measures is the reason the streets are full of beggars and street children even today.
The budget document reveals that in the very province which has still people having no access to potable water and sanitation along with similarly poor and insufficient health and education facilities, the wildlife department is going to set up a Jurassic park/ Natural History Museum.
Budget document is more about brick and mortar than long term initiatives
The previous government of Awami National Party had announced to set up a zoo but so far it has not been established in the province despite the efforts being made for the last couple of years to do so.
The white paper 2015-2016 also promises protection of vulnerable groups including women, children and destitute senior citizens by building living facilities to them. It seems there is more focus on brick and mortar than long term ‘social welfare’ measures to eradicate the factors, which make these groups vulnerable.
Establishment of model institute for street children (Zamung Kor at Nasapa Payan Flats), construction of special education centre in Shangla, construction of building for deaf and dumb school in Takht Bhai, Mardan, provision of laptops to students of blind schools in the province, construction of building for special children education in Haripur, establishment of Zakat and Usher offices in Hayatabad, construction of Tabdeeli center in Hayatabad, Peshawar and completion of work on women vocational centre in Matta, Swat, are some of the such projects highlighted in the white paper 2015-2016.
A change is promised by the department of Auqaf, Haj and minority affairs as it envisions to not only repair shrines but also improves lives of minorities by taking some measures. However, only a year’s time would show if the department achieves this target or these initiatives also end up like mass transit facility in Peshawar which is still a dream.
The white paper 2015-2016 says that the Auqaf, Haj and minority affairs department has a vision to ensure adequate protection, conservation and sustainable use of Auqaf properties, mosques, shrines and promotion of religious harmony in the province. It has a policy to safeguard and promote the rights of minorities.
Restoration of Hindu temple in Teri, Karak, provision of textbooks and uniforms to students of minority educational institutions in the province, welfare package for minorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, improvement and rehabilitation of residential colonies for minorities in the province, scholarship scheme for minority students and provision of security measures to worships places of minorities are some of the targets the government would aim to achieve this financial year.
The repair and rehabilitation of Mahabat Khan Mosque in Peshawar is also part of the fiscal budget. In a year’s time, one would know for sure if the Mahabat Khan Mosque is repaired sooner than the temple in Teri which is in ruins.
Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188538/waiting-for-the-change
Khyber residents get water purification tablets
LANDI KOTAL: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, Khyber chapter, on Monday distributed seven million water purification tablets to the residents of Landi Kotal here.
PTI local leader Shahid Khan Shinwari distributed the tablets among representatives of different tribes during a ceremony held at the local press club.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shinwari said his party arranged the water purification tablets from its own resources after receiving complaints about water-borne diseases in Landi Kotal during summer season.
Meanwhile, the Khyber Agency political administration has recommended the name of a khasadar official for a gallantry award after he risked his own life and saved many more by timely detecting an explosive device at the Torkhum border on Friday.
Landi Kotal Assistant Political Agent Mohammad Tayyab Abdullah said that Khasadar official, Stana Gul, was injured after a time device hidden in a pushcart exploded near him.
Mr Abdullah said the explosive device could have killed dozens of people if it had been exploded in the crowded area, but the khasadar official prevented it from being taken to its intended target.
He said that the Khyber Agency Political Agent, Syed Shahab Ali Shah, has recommended to the federal government the name of the injured khasadar for a civil gallantry award for his brave and heroic act. He added the local administration would also award cash prize to the khasadar official once he was discharged from hospital.
Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188539/khyber-residents-get-water-purification-tablets
The journey from darkness to light
MINGORA: For years, villages scattered across the mountainous swathes of Chitral, Swat, Shangla and Kohistan had no access to electricity from the national grid.
After the sun would set, the village plunged into darkness.
Many a poor villager had fallen down while going to the nearby mosque for Isha prayers, says Abdul Mateen, a resident of Serai village, recalling those times when the village had no electricity.
There were no lights to illuminate the house after sunset; no live cricket matches to captivate die-hard fans. The women were deprived of the comforting whir of home appliances. But two men from Swat’s scenic Utror valley decided they had had enough.
In 1990, Yousaf Zafar and Mohammad Roshan set up the first micro-hydel power station (MHP) in Malakand division and turned the tide for powerless villagers.
Mountainous region of Malakand benefiting from inexpensive hydel technology to generate power
“When we first learned about micro-hydel power stations, we started work on making one for our area. My friend, Mohammad Roshan, borrowed money from relatives and friends,” says Zafar, harking back to a time when the village was accustomed to shadows.
A personally-installed small unit costs between Rs500,000 and Rs1 million.
“We faced endless taunts from locals, who didn’t believe such technology existed. They said we’re insane. People scoffed at the idea of ordinary people like us producing electricity. They said only the government could do it.”
But the boys soldiered on and proved naysayers wrong.
“When we first lit up a house on a trial basis, all villagers were dumbfounded. For months, people would come from far-flung hamlets to see tube lights and the MHP illuminated,” he says.
The duo set up a small wonder; a 7.5KW MHP which enabled the supply of electricity to about 40 houses in the village. Since then, around 150 MHPs have been installed by locals in Malakand division.
How does it work?
MHPs require less water than conventional hydro-power stations; even a single family can install one which can produce five to ten kilowatts of water that generates electricity for personal use.
Electricity is produced with a combination of running water and vertical drops. The process is similar to the one used in water mills for grinding grains during which the vertical drop of the continuous flow of water creates pressure, thereby turning the turbine and producing liquid energy.
Most micro-hydropower plants in Pakistan can produce from five to 100KWs electricity, whereas mini-hydropower plants can produce between 100KWs and 1MW.
The success story of these two local heroes was just the beginning of the arrival of the affordable hydel technology in the cold, mountainous region.
The government and non-governmental organisations in Malakand division in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have recently initiated projects to install MHPs to generate electricity for areas that were cut off entirely.
“The European Union under the Peace project has funded the Sarhad Rural Support Programme to set up 240 micro hydropower plants with a production capacity of 21.7 MWs,” says Muhammad Umar Pervez, an MHP expert in SRSP.
He also says the KP provincial government has undertaken a project to install 356 MHPs in the province with the capacity of 34.6MWs. Out of the 356 MHPs, 105 units will be installed in Malakand division.
There is a huge potential of producing electricity in Swat and other districts like Chitral, Dir, Shangla, Kohistan and Hazara division, says Pervez.
“We have huge reservoirs of water everywhere which can produce thousands of megawatts of electricity. If we make use of the flowing water here in our areas, we will soon be self-sufficient in energy,” says Anwar Khan, a MHP engineer.
Around 105 MHPs have been initiated with EU funding under the PEACE project, in which about 60 have been completed.
In 2014, SRSP rehabilitated and upgraded a MHP in Kalam’s Jungle Inn area which was originally established by the Sarhad Hydro-Development Organisation.
The 400KW MHP has supplied electricity to over 400 houses, 100 shops and over 30 hotels in Kalam.
However, Zahid Khan, Project Manager of SRSP in Swat region, says there is a big difference between MHP units installed by locals and those funded by the EU.
“Our MHP experts work on one unit in an area and finish it off with efficient turbine and control systems, supplemented by an Electronic Load Controller so that it transmits stable electricity free of fluctuation.”
He adds that they also install proper transmission lines with transformers and iron poles fit for the environment.
With plenty of flowing water in the country’s northern belt, installing MHPs can potentially resolve the region’s crippling energy crisis.
“With the arrival of this blessing, we watched live cricket matches of the World Cup for the very first time,” says jubilant Inayatullah, a resident of Kalam.
Women can now use the efficient juicers, irons and blenders they see in television ads.
“It is really easy to wash clothes in the washing machine now,” says Taj Mina Bibi, an elderly resident of Kalam.
“During the winter, it used to be an ordeal to wash clothes with our bare hands.”
Jamila Bibi, a resident of Badai in Mankyal valley, says she feels beautiful wearing pressed clothes — making a transition from ironing on a stove to electric irons.
Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188525/the-journey-from-darkness-to-light
June 16 2015
After militancy, Tirah faces threat of deforestation
LANDI KOTAL: With the rehabilitation activity gaining momentum in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency, the forests in the picturesque area face serious threat owing to cutting of trees by local residents both for reconstruction of their damaged houses and smuggling the precious timber to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces.
A survey conducted by Fata Disaster Management Authority with the assistance of some donor agencies last year said that around 14,000 (80 per cent) houses in Bagh-Maidan and surrounding localities of the valley were in urgent need of reconstruction as most of those were without roofs.
Local residents told Dawn that they used timber of the local forest to cover roofs of their houses which they had built decades ago. They said that Taliban torched the houses of most of their opponent while fleeing the valley after the start of military operation early last year. They also took along precious timber worth millions of rupees which was used in rooftops, windows and doors of thousands of houses.
The government had pledged to provide every family with Rs400,000 for reconstruction of completely destroyed house and Rs100,000 for partially damaged one but keeping in view the high cost of construction in the valley the amount would be enough for reconstruction of just a single room, Ali Akbar, a resident of Zakhakhel, told Dawn.
Local people say forests are being cut for reconstruction of houses and smuggling of timber
He said that all the construction material was transported from Peshawar, Kohat and Hangu via Haider Kandaw Pass. He added that most of the people were relying on the timber of the local forest to provide shelter to their families. He, however, said that every local tribe had formed village committees to keep a check on illegal cutting of local forest and allow cutting of trees according to the mutually agreed quota.
Mr Akbar said that provision of free galvanised iron sheets and poplar timber from the settled districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and even parts of Fata on subsidised rates for reconstruction of their damaged roofs could considerably ease pressure on local forest.
Said Zameer, another resident of Bagh, told Dawn that despite formation of local village committees, large number of trees were felled on daily basis as the timber was smuggled to Peshawar and parts of Punjab province.
The timber merchants in Kukikhel area of Tirah valley also alleged that timber worth million of rupees was ‘stolen’ from the warehouses in Mehraban Kallay and smuggled to Peshawar. They claimed that they were able to spot the stolen timber in the markets of Peshawar.
The timber merchants in Mehraban Kallay including Haji Kitab Shah, Khanimullah, Akhtar Mohammad and Anar Jan told Dawn in Jamrud that unidentified gunmen had stolen timber from there warehouses despite the fact that the area was still under the control of security forces. They wondered as to how the smugglers managed to take the stolen timber out the area, which was under the control of army.
They said that prices of timber used in construction had increased manifold both in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab owing to the steps taken by the government to control forest cutting and timber smuggling.
The resident of Sheen Kamar area of Bara told this scribe by phone that a group of Zaodin-Zakhakhel and Sipah tribe had been busy in illegal cutting of local forest for the last three years. They said that two to three trucks loaded with forest wood were being smuggled out of the area every week despite the fact that security forces were stationed in Sheen Kamar.
They said that they had lodged several complaints with the officials of political administration and security forces, demanding a ban on illegal cutting of forest in Sheen Kamar, but to no avail.
Situation in Jhut Darra, Eggo Mela, Wouch Naw and Taju localities of Qambarkhel tribe in Tirah was no different as timber smugglers had been cutting local forests for the last two years, sources said.
Wajid Khan, a local tribesman, told Dawn that around 1,200 Qambarkhel families had to leave their homes about three years ago when Taliban took control of Tirah valley. They were residing in Saddar and surrounding localities of Kurram Agency, he added.
He said that most of the displaced families were sent back to their homes in Tirah after restoration of peace but the residents of the four localities situated near Zarra Mela on border with the Kurram Agency were still awaiting their return as the security forces had not yet de-notified those areas.
He alleged that taking advantage of their long absence, residents of some bordering villages of Masuzai tribe of Kurram Agency had started stealing timber from their forest. He said that the elders of his tribe had requested the local commanders of security forces to allow them to prevent the cutting of their forest but they were not allowed to go back to their homes to protect their precious forest.
Sher Nawaz Khan, the director of Forests Fata, when contacted, said that no law existed in Fata that could prevent illegal cutting of forest. He said that his department was holding jirgas with local elders to persuade them to stop forest cutting. “This is the maximum we can do as the forest laws are not yet extended to Fata,” he added.
Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188534/after-militancy-tirah-faces-threat-of-deforestation
Police to use most funds on salary in next fiscal
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has allocated Rs32.75 billion for the police during the next financial year.
Of the money, Rs28.57 billion is meant for salary, Rs4.18 billion for non-salary and operational expenses and Rs2.98 million for development expenditure, revealed the budget 2015-16 announced by finance minister Muzaffar Said in the provincial assembly on Monday.
The minister said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been severely affected by terrorism and therefore, budgetary allocations for law-enforcement agencies had been increased.
“Increase in budgetary allocations for law and order is meant to ensure effective and professional provision of public security and law enforcement. The government will build capacity of law-enforcement agencies, improve infrastructure for law enforcement agencies, improve infrastructure for jails, and build capacity for better planning,” he said.
On average, budget for the provincial police has gone up 15 percent during the last five years with the greatest increase of 24 percent seen in 2012-13.
According to the budget documents, Rs32.75 billion has been allocated for jails and convict settlements in 2015-16.
In 2014-15, the money originally allocated for the purpose was Rs1.3 billion, which was later revised to Rs175 million.
The budget allocated for home department in the next fiscal is Rs1.44 billion.
Originally, it was Rs1.16 billion during 2014-15 but was later revised to Rs1.96 billion.
The budget documents showed that massive allocations had been made for the programme of building police stations, checkposts and police lines and procure equipment to fight terrorism and improve security.
The money allocated for prison department is for construction and rehabilitation of jails, and solar energisation, provision of water filtration plants and better security checks in jails.
For the department, Rs3.5 billion has been earmarked. The money will be spent on 57 projects, including 40 ongoing (Rs3.1 billion) and 17 new (Rs405 million).
The documents said the law and order budget would be used to strengthen the Directorate of Provincial Public Safety and Police Complaints Commission and its district formations, and enhance the capacity of bomb disposal unit of police department.
Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188537/police-to-use-most-funds-on-salary-in-next-fiscal
Waiting for the change
PESHAWAR: The budget document of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa like the previous years is more about brick and mortar than initiatives that would bring the change the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf promised when voted to power.
Some projects with interesting names like Jurassic park, Tabdeeli centers and Zmong Kor catch the eye of the reader but they are not any different from the schemes initiated by the previous government.
If the Mutahidda Majlis-i-Amal government set up centers for beggars under the name Daar-ul-Kafala, the PTI government is going to name a home for street children with Zamong Kor. Absence of innovative and long term effective measures is the reason the streets are full of beggars and street children even today.
The budget document reveals that in the very province which has still people having no access to potable water and sanitation along with similarly poor and insufficient health and education facilities, the wildlife department is going to set up a Jurassic park/ Natural History Museum.
Budget document is more about brick and mortar than long term initiatives
The previous government of Awami National Party had announced to set up a zoo but so far it has not been established in the province despite the efforts being made for the last couple of years to do so.
The white paper 2015-2016 also promises protection of vulnerable groups including women, children and destitute senior citizens by building living facilities to them. It seems there is more focus on brick and mortar than long term ‘social welfare’ measures to eradicate the factors, which make these groups vulnerable.
Establishment of model institute for street children (Zamung Kor at Nasapa Payan Flats), construction of special education centre in Shangla, construction of building for deaf and dumb school in Takht Bhai, Mardan, provision of laptops to students of blind schools in the province, construction of building for special children education in Haripur, establishment of Zakat and Usher offices in Hayatabad, construction of Tabdeeli center in Hayatabad, Peshawar and completion of work on women vocational centre in Matta, Swat, are some of the such projects highlighted in the white paper 2015-2016.
A change is promised by the department of Auqaf, Haj and minority affairs as it envisions to not only repair shrines but also improves lives of minorities by taking some measures. However, only a year’s time would show if the department achieves this target or these initiatives also end up like mass transit facility in Peshawar which is still a dream.
The white paper 2015-2016 says that the Auqaf, Haj and minority affairs department has a vision to ensure adequate protection, conservation and sustainable use of Auqaf properties, mosques, shrines and promotion of religious harmony in the province. It has a policy to safeguard and promote the rights of minorities.
Restoration of Hindu temple in Teri, Karak, provision of textbooks and uniforms to students of minority educational institutions in the province, welfare package for minorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, improvement and rehabilitation of residential colonies for minorities in the province, scholarship scheme for minority students and provision of security measures to worships places of minorities are some of the targets the government would aim to achieve this financial year.
The repair and rehabilitation of Mahabat Khan Mosque in Peshawar is also part of the fiscal budget. In a year’s time, one would know for sure if the Mahabat Khan Mosque is repaired sooner than the temple in Teri which is in ruins.
Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188538/waiting-for-the-change
Khyber residents get water purification tablets
LANDI KOTAL: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, Khyber chapter, on Monday distributed seven million water purification tablets to the residents of Landi Kotal here.
PTI local leader Shahid Khan Shinwari distributed the tablets among representatives of different tribes during a ceremony held at the local press club.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shinwari said his party arranged the water purification tablets from its own resources after receiving complaints about water-borne diseases in Landi Kotal during summer season.
Meanwhile, the Khyber Agency political administration has recommended the name of a khasadar official for a gallantry award after he risked his own life and saved many more by timely detecting an explosive device at the Torkhum border on Friday.
Landi Kotal Assistant Political Agent Mohammad Tayyab Abdullah said that Khasadar official, Stana Gul, was injured after a time device hidden in a pushcart exploded near him.
Mr Abdullah said the explosive device could have killed dozens of people if it had been exploded in the crowded area, but the khasadar official prevented it from being taken to its intended target.
He said that the Khyber Agency Political Agent, Syed Shahab Ali Shah, has recommended to the federal government the name of the injured khasadar for a civil gallantry award for his brave and heroic act. He added the local administration would also award cash prize to the khasadar official once he was discharged from hospital.
Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188539/khyber-residents-get-water-purification-tablets
The journey from darkness to light
MINGORA: For years, villages scattered across the mountainous swathes of Chitral, Swat, Shangla and Kohistan had no access to electricity from the national grid.
After the sun would set, the village plunged into darkness.
Many a poor villager had fallen down while going to the nearby mosque for Isha prayers, says Abdul Mateen, a resident of Serai village, recalling those times when the village had no electricity.
There were no lights to illuminate the house after sunset; no live cricket matches to captivate die-hard fans. The women were deprived of the comforting whir of home appliances. But two men from Swat’s scenic Utror valley decided they had had enough.
In 1990, Yousaf Zafar and Mohammad Roshan set up the first micro-hydel power station (MHP) in Malakand division and turned the tide for powerless villagers.
Mountainous region of Malakand benefiting from inexpensive hydel technology to generate power
“When we first learned about micro-hydel power stations, we started work on making one for our area. My friend, Mohammad Roshan, borrowed money from relatives and friends,” says Zafar, harking back to a time when the village was accustomed to shadows.
A personally-installed small unit costs between Rs500,000 and Rs1 million.
“We faced endless taunts from locals, who didn’t believe such technology existed. They said we’re insane. People scoffed at the idea of ordinary people like us producing electricity. They said only the government could do it.”
But the boys soldiered on and proved naysayers wrong.
“When we first lit up a house on a trial basis, all villagers were dumbfounded. For months, people would come from far-flung hamlets to see tube lights and the MHP illuminated,” he says.
The duo set up a small wonder; a 7.5KW MHP which enabled the supply of electricity to about 40 houses in the village. Since then, around 150 MHPs have been installed by locals in Malakand division.
How does it work?
MHPs require less water than conventional hydro-power stations; even a single family can install one which can produce five to ten kilowatts of water that generates electricity for personal use.
Electricity is produced with a combination of running water and vertical drops. The process is similar to the one used in water mills for grinding grains during which the vertical drop of the continuous flow of water creates pressure, thereby turning the turbine and producing liquid energy.
Most micro-hydropower plants in Pakistan can produce from five to 100KWs electricity, whereas mini-hydropower plants can produce between 100KWs and 1MW.
The success story of these two local heroes was just the beginning of the arrival of the affordable hydel technology in the cold, mountainous region.
The government and non-governmental organisations in Malakand division in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have recently initiated projects to install MHPs to generate electricity for areas that were cut off entirely.
“The European Union under the Peace project has funded the Sarhad Rural Support Programme to set up 240 micro hydropower plants with a production capacity of 21.7 MWs,” says Muhammad Umar Pervez, an MHP expert in SRSP.
He also says the KP provincial government has undertaken a project to install 356 MHPs in the province with the capacity of 34.6MWs. Out of the 356 MHPs, 105 units will be installed in Malakand division.
There is a huge potential of producing electricity in Swat and other districts like Chitral, Dir, Shangla, Kohistan and Hazara division, says Pervez.
“We have huge reservoirs of water everywhere which can produce thousands of megawatts of electricity. If we make use of the flowing water here in our areas, we will soon be self-sufficient in energy,” says Anwar Khan, a MHP engineer.
Around 105 MHPs have been initiated with EU funding under the PEACE project, in which about 60 have been completed.
In 2014, SRSP rehabilitated and upgraded a MHP in Kalam’s Jungle Inn area which was originally established by the Sarhad Hydro-Development Organisation.
The 400KW MHP has supplied electricity to over 400 houses, 100 shops and over 30 hotels in Kalam.
However, Zahid Khan, Project Manager of SRSP in Swat region, says there is a big difference between MHP units installed by locals and those funded by the EU.
“Our MHP experts work on one unit in an area and finish it off with efficient turbine and control systems, supplemented by an Electronic Load Controller so that it transmits stable electricity free of fluctuation.”
He adds that they also install proper transmission lines with transformers and iron poles fit for the environment.
With plenty of flowing water in the country’s northern belt, installing MHPs can potentially resolve the region’s crippling energy crisis.
“With the arrival of this blessing, we watched live cricket matches of the World Cup for the very first time,” says jubilant Inayatullah, a resident of Kalam.
Women can now use the efficient juicers, irons and blenders they see in television ads.
“It is really easy to wash clothes in the washing machine now,” says Taj Mina Bibi, an elderly resident of Kalam.
“During the winter, it used to be an ordeal to wash clothes with our bare hands.”
Jamila Bibi, a resident of Badai in Mankyal valley, says she feels beautiful wearing pressed clothes — making a transition from ironing on a stove to electric irons.
Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188525/the-journey-from-darkness-to-light
Last edited:
Syed Haider Imam
Chief Minister (5k+ posts)
Re: Update on KPK hydel projects
June 17 2015
Upgradation of posts, pay and pension will cost Rs20bn
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa finance minister Muzaffar Said on Tuesday said the one-step upgradation of BPS 1-15 government posts, increase in salary and pension, and other similar incentives announced in the budget 2015-16 would cost Rs20 billion.
“These expenditure will cross the figure of Rs35 billion in the next few years,” he said in a statement distributed to the media in the post-budget news conference here.
The minister said a committee would be formed to recommend increase in the salary of government officials from BPS 17 and above.
He said the finance secretary would head the committee tasked with giving recommendations within six months.
According to the budget documents, the provincial government’s employees and pensioners are 432,399 and around 175,000 respectively.
The estimated pay and pension allocations makes up 71 percent of the total expenditure for financial year 2015-16.
“Increase in salary and pension leaves little room for the provincial exchequer to set aside adequate funds for operations, maintenance and development sector,” say the documents.
The minister said the government owed Rs121 billion to various entities, including Rs116 billion to foreign organisations and Rs5 billion to the federal government.
He said the government had suggested 19 development projects to the federal government for inclusion in the Public Sector Development Programme under the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor.
“These proposed projects will cost $5.32 billion,” he said.
Muzaffar Said said majority of the proposed development projects were related to power and energy sector and that they would ensure generation of 17MW electricity and irrigation of 300,000 land in the province.
“Of the 19 proposed schemes, 10 are for energy and power, eight for irrigation and the remaining one is the establishment of Swat expressway,” he said.
The minister said the proposed projects’ execution would greatly contribute to economic growth of the province and help generate massive employment opportunities.
He said over Rs42 billion had been allocated in development budget 2015-16 and that the money would be used through the recently elected representatives at ward and village and neighbourhood council levels.
According to Muzaffar Said, of the total development funds for districts in the next financial year, Rs13.1 billion is for the village and neighbourhood councils, Rs8.58 billion for tehsil councils and Rs8.58 for district councils, while Rs13 billion will be given to different departments after the completion of devolution process.
He said major part of the Rs174.88 billion Annual Development Programme funds would be utilised on 911 ongoing development schemes, while the rest would be spent on 614 new schemes.
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188732/upgradation-of-posts-pay-and-pension-will-cost-rs20bn
Over 6,000 displaced families return to Bara
LANDI KOTAL: Over 6,000 of the total 10,000 displaced Shalobar families have returned home in Bara as part of ongoing repatriation programme. The relevant officials told Dawn on Tuesday that the second phase of the repatriation of Bara’s temporarily displaced persons return had begun on June 8 and would complete on June 20.
The Fata Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with Khyber Agency’s political administration has planned the return of members of three Shalobar sub-tribes i.e. Sheikhmalkhel, Wand Garay and Dray Plaray, to their homes in Bara in three phases. Officials said 10,000 Shalobar families were to be rehabilitated until June 20.
The figures issued by FDMA officials on Tuesday said 6,278 families were given the ‘return facilitation forms’ and of those families, 5,492 were given bank ATM cards for withdrawal of Rs25,000 each as assistance on return to homes.
The FDMA with the political administration’s assistance had set up registration points at Qambarabad market, where 221 families from Jalozai camp got themselves registered before returning home.
Though officials of both the political administration and FDMA claimed that the repatriation process was going on smoothly and would be completed on time, many tribesmen complained the process was slow and cumbersome making them, including women, children and elderly people, to queue up for hours in scorching heat.
The tribesmen also said with most of the road leading to Bara from Peshawar and Jamrud closed for security reasons, returning families were finding it extremely difficult to wait for their turn at checkposts while entering Bara.
They also complained about unavailability of drinking water and faulty power supply in their localities.
The tribesmen demanded the immediate closure of all roads leading to Bara and provision of basic facilities to them in respective areas.
Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188726/over-6000-displaced-families-return-to-bara
Swat varsity accused of depriving students of laptops
TIMERGARA: Several local students said here on Tuesday that they could not get laptops under the Prime Minister Laptop Scheme owing to the inefficiency of the administration of Swat University.
The students, including some girls, said in a written statement that the university administration distributed few laptops among the students but the rest of them could not benefit from the scheme.
They said that they were entitled to get laptops as they were studying in MSc final and needed laptops for their studies and research work. They said that it was the inefficiency of their respective departments and university administration to execute the scheme successfully.
The students demanded of the administration of Swat University to provide them with laptops. They also threatened to stage protest if the university administration failed to meet their demand.
MSc final students threaten protest against admin
ACTION AGAINST NGOs: Jamaat-i-Islami district deputy general secretary Shafiullah on Tuesday demanded of the government to initiate inquiry against the NGOs working in Dir Lower.
Talking to journalists, he said that the local heads of some NGOs had increased their assets manifold. He said that government should probe the assets and bank balance of local workers of NGOs.
About the PK-95 by-election, the JI leader said that people of the constituency had mandated Izazul Mulk Afkari and it was the responsibility of Election Commission of Pakistan to notify it.
SCHOOL BAGS: The students of government primary school in Mian Banda were provided with school bags by a pharmaceutical company.
A function in this regard was held at the school wherein medical specialist Dr Qazi Ikramullah was chief guest.
The teachers of the school, area sale manger of the company Shaukat Ali, manager Umar Khitab, Suhail Ahmad and Mir Hassan were also present on the occasion. A total of 74 students were provided with school bags.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ikram urged philanthropists to help poor students in getting education. He said that it was the joint responsibility of the state and society to provide education to children.
Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188727/swat-varsity-accused-of-depriving-students-of-laptops
Peshawar’s lone theatre echoes with melodies
PESHAWAR: A troupe of eight artists comprising three singers and five instrumentalists from Lahore, Rawalpindi and Islamabad enthralled Peshawarites on Monday night.
The Urdu ghazal night was organised by Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) in collaboration with culture directorate of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at Nishtar Hall to boost the soft image of the country and promote unity and patriotism among the people.
The entertainment-starved audience tuned to dance in the jam-packed hall and showered accolades on the guest singers for their well-articulated performance.
Some enthusiastic music lovers kept on tossing their heads while others kept saying encore after every performance. The mixed melodies of Urdu, Punjabi and Pashto ghazals and folk songs brought a joy and pleasure to the terrorism-affected Peshawarites.
Singers from Lahore, Rawalpindi and Islamabad keep entrainment-starved audience spellbound
Expressing her views about the show, Palwasha Anwar Khan told Dawn that she dared to come out of her home along with her two daughters and son, who were off from school for summer break. She said that she enjoyed the musical concert as it gave her and her children great relief from the tough daily routine work.
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188730/peshawars-lone-theatre-echoes-with-melodies
June 17 2015
Upgradation of posts, pay and pension will cost Rs20bn
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa finance minister Muzaffar Said on Tuesday said the one-step upgradation of BPS 1-15 government posts, increase in salary and pension, and other similar incentives announced in the budget 2015-16 would cost Rs20 billion.
“These expenditure will cross the figure of Rs35 billion in the next few years,” he said in a statement distributed to the media in the post-budget news conference here.
The minister said a committee would be formed to recommend increase in the salary of government officials from BPS 17 and above.
He said the finance secretary would head the committee tasked with giving recommendations within six months.
According to the budget documents, the provincial government’s employees and pensioners are 432,399 and around 175,000 respectively.
The estimated pay and pension allocations makes up 71 percent of the total expenditure for financial year 2015-16.
“Increase in salary and pension leaves little room for the provincial exchequer to set aside adequate funds for operations, maintenance and development sector,” say the documents.
The minister said the government owed Rs121 billion to various entities, including Rs116 billion to foreign organisations and Rs5 billion to the federal government.
He said the government had suggested 19 development projects to the federal government for inclusion in the Public Sector Development Programme under the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor.
“These proposed projects will cost $5.32 billion,” he said.
Muzaffar Said said majority of the proposed development projects were related to power and energy sector and that they would ensure generation of 17MW electricity and irrigation of 300,000 land in the province.
“Of the 19 proposed schemes, 10 are for energy and power, eight for irrigation and the remaining one is the establishment of Swat expressway,” he said.
The minister said the proposed projects’ execution would greatly contribute to economic growth of the province and help generate massive employment opportunities.
He said over Rs42 billion had been allocated in development budget 2015-16 and that the money would be used through the recently elected representatives at ward and village and neighbourhood council levels.
According to Muzaffar Said, of the total development funds for districts in the next financial year, Rs13.1 billion is for the village and neighbourhood councils, Rs8.58 billion for tehsil councils and Rs8.58 for district councils, while Rs13 billion will be given to different departments after the completion of devolution process.
He said major part of the Rs174.88 billion Annual Development Programme funds would be utilised on 911 ongoing development schemes, while the rest would be spent on 614 new schemes.
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188732/upgradation-of-posts-pay-and-pension-will-cost-rs20bn
Over 6,000 displaced families return to Bara
LANDI KOTAL: Over 6,000 of the total 10,000 displaced Shalobar families have returned home in Bara as part of ongoing repatriation programme. The relevant officials told Dawn on Tuesday that the second phase of the repatriation of Bara’s temporarily displaced persons return had begun on June 8 and would complete on June 20.
The Fata Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with Khyber Agency’s political administration has planned the return of members of three Shalobar sub-tribes i.e. Sheikhmalkhel, Wand Garay and Dray Plaray, to their homes in Bara in three phases. Officials said 10,000 Shalobar families were to be rehabilitated until June 20.
The figures issued by FDMA officials on Tuesday said 6,278 families were given the ‘return facilitation forms’ and of those families, 5,492 were given bank ATM cards for withdrawal of Rs25,000 each as assistance on return to homes.
The FDMA with the political administration’s assistance had set up registration points at Qambarabad market, where 221 families from Jalozai camp got themselves registered before returning home.
Though officials of both the political administration and FDMA claimed that the repatriation process was going on smoothly and would be completed on time, many tribesmen complained the process was slow and cumbersome making them, including women, children and elderly people, to queue up for hours in scorching heat.
The tribesmen also said with most of the road leading to Bara from Peshawar and Jamrud closed for security reasons, returning families were finding it extremely difficult to wait for their turn at checkposts while entering Bara.
They also complained about unavailability of drinking water and faulty power supply in their localities.
The tribesmen demanded the immediate closure of all roads leading to Bara and provision of basic facilities to them in respective areas.
Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188726/over-6000-displaced-families-return-to-bara
Swat varsity accused of depriving students of laptops
TIMERGARA: Several local students said here on Tuesday that they could not get laptops under the Prime Minister Laptop Scheme owing to the inefficiency of the administration of Swat University.
The students, including some girls, said in a written statement that the university administration distributed few laptops among the students but the rest of them could not benefit from the scheme.
They said that they were entitled to get laptops as they were studying in MSc final and needed laptops for their studies and research work. They said that it was the inefficiency of their respective departments and university administration to execute the scheme successfully.
The students demanded of the administration of Swat University to provide them with laptops. They also threatened to stage protest if the university administration failed to meet their demand.
MSc final students threaten protest against admin
ACTION AGAINST NGOs: Jamaat-i-Islami district deputy general secretary Shafiullah on Tuesday demanded of the government to initiate inquiry against the NGOs working in Dir Lower.
Talking to journalists, he said that the local heads of some NGOs had increased their assets manifold. He said that government should probe the assets and bank balance of local workers of NGOs.
About the PK-95 by-election, the JI leader said that people of the constituency had mandated Izazul Mulk Afkari and it was the responsibility of Election Commission of Pakistan to notify it.
SCHOOL BAGS: The students of government primary school in Mian Banda were provided with school bags by a pharmaceutical company.
A function in this regard was held at the school wherein medical specialist Dr Qazi Ikramullah was chief guest.
The teachers of the school, area sale manger of the company Shaukat Ali, manager Umar Khitab, Suhail Ahmad and Mir Hassan were also present on the occasion. A total of 74 students were provided with school bags.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ikram urged philanthropists to help poor students in getting education. He said that it was the joint responsibility of the state and society to provide education to children.
Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188727/swat-varsity-accused-of-depriving-students-of-laptops
Peshawar’s lone theatre echoes with melodies
PESHAWAR: A troupe of eight artists comprising three singers and five instrumentalists from Lahore, Rawalpindi and Islamabad enthralled Peshawarites on Monday night.
The Urdu ghazal night was organised by Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) in collaboration with culture directorate of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at Nishtar Hall to boost the soft image of the country and promote unity and patriotism among the people.
The entertainment-starved audience tuned to dance in the jam-packed hall and showered accolades on the guest singers for their well-articulated performance.
Some enthusiastic music lovers kept on tossing their heads while others kept saying encore after every performance. The mixed melodies of Urdu, Punjabi and Pashto ghazals and folk songs brought a joy and pleasure to the terrorism-affected Peshawarites.
Singers from Lahore, Rawalpindi and Islamabad keep entrainment-starved audience spellbound
Expressing her views about the show, Palwasha Anwar Khan told Dawn that she dared to come out of her home along with her two daughters and son, who were off from school for summer break. She said that she enjoyed the musical concert as it gave her and her children great relief from the tough daily routine work.
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188730/peshawars-lone-theatre-echoes-with-melodies
Syed Haider Imam
Chief Minister (5k+ posts)
Re: Update on KPK hydel projects
June 18 2015
KP govt asks opposition to resign first from assemblies
PESHAWAR: Responding to the demand put forward by the tripartite alliance of opposition parties, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information Mushtaq Ghani said here on Wednesday that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) was ready to step down and hold re-election for local governments in the province if opposition parties tendered resignation from the National and provincial assemblies.
Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, he said that the government would accept all demands if opposition resigned from the assemblies and also sought resignation from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
“Instead of asking us to resign, they should first tender their resignations,” the minister said while reacting to the demand of the three-party alliance, which has launched agitation against the provincial government for alleged rigging in the local government elections.
The alliance comprising Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F, Awami National Party and Pakistan People’s Party had organised a rally in the provincial capital on Tuesday evening in which the PTI-led coalition government was asked to resign and hold fresh election under caretaker setup.
Minister says PTI ready to step down and hold re-election
Mr Ghani said that the government had kept doors open for negotiations and also announced setting up judicial commission to probe the opposition’s allegations.
He asked opposition parties to come to the negotiation table as the government was ready to address their grievances.
The minister said that politics of agitation was not positive for democracy in the country. He asked opposition parties to abandon protest. He said that government had called all-party conference and opposition parties were invited to it, but they boycotted it.
“The government will participate if opposition convenes its own APC,” Mr Ghani said and criticised the opposition parties for boycotting the budget session. He said boycotting budget session was an insult of the mandate of the people.
The minister said that opposition parties believed in status quo and did not want strengthening of local government system. He said that government had allocated Rs42 billion for local governments in the new budget that would bring big change in the system.
Mr Ghani said that PTI would form government in centre and four provinces on the basis of its performance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa if it completed five years term. He alleged that opposition was bent upon to oust PTI government in the province.
The minister accused ANP of violence in the local government election, alleging that it sabotaged peaceful atmosphere in Peshawar valley to manipulate results.
Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188918/kp-govt-asks-opposition-to-resign-first-from-assemblies
Cops rewarded for arresting thieves
UPPER DIR: District Police Officer Syed Israruddin on Tuesday awarded cash prizes to the policemen who apprehended thieves and recovered stolen goods from them. A ceremony to this effect was held at the camp office of the deputy commissioner in Panakot here.
Deputy Commissioner Hakeem Khan, Medical Superintend of DHQ Hospital Dr Ghani Rehman, police officials, elders and president of Anjuman-i-Tajiran were in attendance. The police team was also awarded cash prize of Rs50,000 by the trader, whose stolen goods were recovered.
Mr Israruddin said it was the duty of the police to maintain internal peace of the country and praised the Upper Dir police for doing their job professionally.
He also praised the people for extending cooperation to the police in going after outlaws.
ROAD ACCIDENT: One passenger was killed and another was critically injured when a car fell down in a ravine in Darikand area of Brawal here, police said.
They said that the car (PSB 1913) coming from Bin Dara to Brawal plunged into gorge at Darikand after driver lost control over it due to brake failure. — Correspondent
Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188878/cops-rewarded-for-arresting-thieves
Experts for sufficient budget to mitigate risks of natural disasters
PESHAWAR: Speakers at a seminar on Wednesday called for allocation of sufficient budgets to mitigate the risks of natural disasters to secure lives and properties of people.
The seminar titled ‘dissemination of research study on public financing of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with stakeholders’ was organised by Action Aid Pakistan, an NGO, at the University of Peshawar here.
Director Disaster Management Professor Mohammad Ahmad Jan, renowned researcher Dr Israr Khan and program officer of Action Aid Liaqat Ali Khan spoke on the occasion.
Liaqat Ali said that Action Aid Pakistan had undertaken the study to analyse the provincial budget allocations for DRR to understand trends of the budgetary allocations. The analysis will help the stakeholders to raise the issue at appropriate forum for equitable resource allocations.
Dr Israr Khan said there was no consistency in resource allocation for DRR in the budgets of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Though allocations increased significantly after 2010 floods, no increase was made regarding disaster risk reduction
PESHAWAR: Speakers at a seminar on Wednesday called for allocation of sufficient budgets to mitigate the risks of natural disasters to secure lives and properties of people.
The seminar titled ‘dissemination of research study on public financing of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with stakeholders’ was organised by Action Aid Pakistan, an NGO, at the University of Peshawar here.
Director Disaster Management Professor Mohammad Ahmad Jan, renowned researcher Dr Israr Khan and program officer of Action Aid Liaqat Ali Khan spoke on the occasion.
Liaqat Ali said that Action Aid Pakistan had undertaken the study to analyse the provincial budget allocations for DRR to understand trends of the budgetary allocations. The analysis will help the stakeholders to raise the issue at appropriate forum for equitable resource allocations.
Dr Israr Khan said there was no consistency in resource allocation for DRR in the budgets of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Though allocations increased significantly after 2010 floods, no increase was made regarding disaster risk reduction
Guidelines framed for smooth operation of local councils
PESHAWAR: The local government and rural development department has framed guidelines for smooth transition and succession of the existing local councils to the three-tier local governments, which have been elected through the recently held polls.
The guidelines have been framed in the light of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Act, 2013, according to sources. It merits a mention here that 24 departments would be devolved to the districts.
Each tier of the local government has separate guidelines. The deputy commissioner of the respective district will be the overall transition coordinator for all the three tiers of the local government, reveals a copy of the guidelines available with Dawn.
The deputy commissioners will provide district council hall for the meetings and other functions of the council besides providing offices and vehicles to the nazims. The deputy commissioners have to adopt appropriate alternative arrangements, in those districts where the designated offices, district council halls and vehicles are not available.
24 departments will be devolved to districts
Till availability of regular staff, the deputy commissioners will coordinate the arrangements of appropriate staff of existing district council or any other devolved office may be posted as support staff for district naizm and district council secretariat.
The existing structure and staff of devolved offices of district government will remain the same without any major dislocation or reshuffling. However, they will stand devolved to the district government as per spirit of the local government law.
According to the guidelines, detail rules, instructions and circulars regarding budgets, financial sanctions, development schemes, approving forums, supervision and monitoring and delegation of financial powers shall be circulated by the respective departments to be devolved in due course of time.
All local governments have been advised through the guidelines to prepare budget estimates for the year 2015-16 as per provision of the law for placement before the respective councils for approval as soon as they assume their offices.
Through the guidelines, the local government department has asked the authorities concerned to nominate one or more senior officers of the district government or TMA’s, well-conversant with the local government system and rules. Such officers will guide the respective departments and elected councillors on matters related to meetings of the councils, oath taking and assumption of offices by the elected representatives etc.
The guidelines related to tehsil and town municipal administration (TMA) states that the existing chief coordination officers in district councils and chief municipal officers in municipal corporation and municipal committees are directed to settle all matters relating to placement/adjustment of staff, distribution of assets and liabilities, establishment of offices, vehicles, furniture and equipment etc.
The assets shall be transferred to the successor TMAs and details will be submitted to the local council board duly signed by the respective heads of district councils and TMAs.
The guidelines says: “Ensure timely utilisation/distribution of the available funds with district councils in consultation and with the approval of respective DC being administrator of district council under intimation to all concerned and successors, as per provision of the Local Government Act, 2013.”
The ongoing schemes of the district councils may be transferred to their respective successor TMAs along with the funds and record for ultimate completion. Similarly, all contracts of local taxes and local source revenue have to be auctioned openly by their respective local councils in the light of the model terms and conditions, already circulated by local government department.
The third section of the guidelines is related to village and neighbourhood councils which states that designated joint bank accounts in the name of every village and neighbourhood councils may be opened in the nearest government scheduled bank.
It says that the provincial government has approved maximum Rs5,000 per month for the rent of office of village council and maximum Rs10,000 for the rent of office of neighbourhood council.
Till availability of full time staff in the newly created village/neighbourhood councils, the secretaries of the adjacent village and neighbourhood councils may be assigned additional charge to look after their day to day official work.
The local government department has also asked all the secretaries of the former union councils to prepare proper inventory of their assets and liabilities and provide a certified statement to the offices of their respective assistant directors of the local government department.
Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188924/guidelines-framed-for-smooth-operation-of-local-councils
Bail plea of former head of disaster management body rejected
PESHAWAR: A two-member bench of Peshawar High Court on Wednesday refused bail to a former director general of Fata Disaster Management Authority (FDMA), accused of misappropriating millions of rupees on account of payment of compensation for damaged properties to conflict-affected people in Mohmand Agency.
The bench comprising PHC Chief Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel and Justice Haider Ali Khan dismissed a writ petition filed by the suspect, Arshid Khan, seeking bail in the instant case. The suspect was serving as additional secretary of home department at the time of his arrest on April 2.
Umer Farooq, a prosecutor of NAB, argued that the petitioner and some other officials were arrested on charges of embezzling around Rs60 million on account of payment of compensation to the people affected by conflict.
He said that federal government had announced compensation to the affected people of Mohmand and Bajaur tribal agencies to the tune of Rs160,000 for partially damaged and Rs400,000 for completely damaged houses.
He argued that during course of inquiry by NAB, it was revealed that the petitioner, being director general of FDMA, in connivance with others managed to embezzled millions of rupees in compensations payment meant for the people affected by terrorism in Mohmand Agency.
The prosecutor contended that the petitioner had verified list of 122 bogus affected persons and forwarded it to Provincial Disaster Management Authority. He added that during inquiry, the said 122 affected persons could not be traced.
In the instant case apart from Arshid Khan, NAB had arrested a monitoring officer of FDMA Sirajuddin, a community mobiliser Irfan Khan, an assistant director of FDMA Irfanullah Khan, a manager of United Bank Limited Regi Lalma Branch Amjid Ali and two officials of Habib Bank Limited, Inayat Kallay Bajaur Agency, Sardar Khan and Mohammad Ayub.
NAB had alleged that the suspects opened fake bank accounts wherein the amount meant for the bogus affected people were deposited.
The counsels appearing for the petitioner argued that he was falsely implicated in the case. They said that some of the suspects had already admitted their guilt and entered into plea bargain with NAB. They added that after payment of the alleged misappropriated money by the other suspects, there was no justification for keeping the petitioner behind the bars.
Meanwhile, the bench also dismissed bail petition of a junior clerk of the University of Peshawar, Mohammad Ali, suspected of embezzling Rs15 million from the university’s fund.
His counsel contended that the high court had earlier dismissed his bail plea but despite passing of many months NAB had yet to file a reference before an accountability court. He contended that he may be set free on bail as presently there was no possibility of the starting of his trial in near future.
The NAB’s prosecutor stated that the bureau had completed investigation against him and soon a reference would be filed before the accountability court.
Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188930/bail-plea-of-former-head-of-disaster-management-body-rejected
June 18 2015
KP govt asks opposition to resign first from assemblies
PESHAWAR: Responding to the demand put forward by the tripartite alliance of opposition parties, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information Mushtaq Ghani said here on Wednesday that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) was ready to step down and hold re-election for local governments in the province if opposition parties tendered resignation from the National and provincial assemblies.
Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, he said that the government would accept all demands if opposition resigned from the assemblies and also sought resignation from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
“Instead of asking us to resign, they should first tender their resignations,” the minister said while reacting to the demand of the three-party alliance, which has launched agitation against the provincial government for alleged rigging in the local government elections.
The alliance comprising Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F, Awami National Party and Pakistan People’s Party had organised a rally in the provincial capital on Tuesday evening in which the PTI-led coalition government was asked to resign and hold fresh election under caretaker setup.
Minister says PTI ready to step down and hold re-election
Mr Ghani said that the government had kept doors open for negotiations and also announced setting up judicial commission to probe the opposition’s allegations.
He asked opposition parties to come to the negotiation table as the government was ready to address their grievances.
The minister said that politics of agitation was not positive for democracy in the country. He asked opposition parties to abandon protest. He said that government had called all-party conference and opposition parties were invited to it, but they boycotted it.
“The government will participate if opposition convenes its own APC,” Mr Ghani said and criticised the opposition parties for boycotting the budget session. He said boycotting budget session was an insult of the mandate of the people.
The minister said that opposition parties believed in status quo and did not want strengthening of local government system. He said that government had allocated Rs42 billion for local governments in the new budget that would bring big change in the system.
Mr Ghani said that PTI would form government in centre and four provinces on the basis of its performance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa if it completed five years term. He alleged that opposition was bent upon to oust PTI government in the province.
The minister accused ANP of violence in the local government election, alleging that it sabotaged peaceful atmosphere in Peshawar valley to manipulate results.
Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188918/kp-govt-asks-opposition-to-resign-first-from-assemblies
Cops rewarded for arresting thieves
UPPER DIR: District Police Officer Syed Israruddin on Tuesday awarded cash prizes to the policemen who apprehended thieves and recovered stolen goods from them. A ceremony to this effect was held at the camp office of the deputy commissioner in Panakot here.
Deputy Commissioner Hakeem Khan, Medical Superintend of DHQ Hospital Dr Ghani Rehman, police officials, elders and president of Anjuman-i-Tajiran were in attendance. The police team was also awarded cash prize of Rs50,000 by the trader, whose stolen goods were recovered.
Mr Israruddin said it was the duty of the police to maintain internal peace of the country and praised the Upper Dir police for doing their job professionally.
He also praised the people for extending cooperation to the police in going after outlaws.
ROAD ACCIDENT: One passenger was killed and another was critically injured when a car fell down in a ravine in Darikand area of Brawal here, police said.
They said that the car (PSB 1913) coming from Bin Dara to Brawal plunged into gorge at Darikand after driver lost control over it due to brake failure. — Correspondent
Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188878/cops-rewarded-for-arresting-thieves
Experts for sufficient budget to mitigate risks of natural disasters
PESHAWAR: Speakers at a seminar on Wednesday called for allocation of sufficient budgets to mitigate the risks of natural disasters to secure lives and properties of people.
The seminar titled ‘dissemination of research study on public financing of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with stakeholders’ was organised by Action Aid Pakistan, an NGO, at the University of Peshawar here.
Director Disaster Management Professor Mohammad Ahmad Jan, renowned researcher Dr Israr Khan and program officer of Action Aid Liaqat Ali Khan spoke on the occasion.
Liaqat Ali said that Action Aid Pakistan had undertaken the study to analyse the provincial budget allocations for DRR to understand trends of the budgetary allocations. The analysis will help the stakeholders to raise the issue at appropriate forum for equitable resource allocations.
Dr Israr Khan said there was no consistency in resource allocation for DRR in the budgets of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Though allocations increased significantly after 2010 floods, no increase was made regarding disaster risk reduction
PESHAWAR: Speakers at a seminar on Wednesday called for allocation of sufficient budgets to mitigate the risks of natural disasters to secure lives and properties of people.
The seminar titled ‘dissemination of research study on public financing of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with stakeholders’ was organised by Action Aid Pakistan, an NGO, at the University of Peshawar here.
Director Disaster Management Professor Mohammad Ahmad Jan, renowned researcher Dr Israr Khan and program officer of Action Aid Liaqat Ali Khan spoke on the occasion.
Liaqat Ali said that Action Aid Pakistan had undertaken the study to analyse the provincial budget allocations for DRR to understand trends of the budgetary allocations. The analysis will help the stakeholders to raise the issue at appropriate forum for equitable resource allocations.
Dr Israr Khan said there was no consistency in resource allocation for DRR in the budgets of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Though allocations increased significantly after 2010 floods, no increase was made regarding disaster risk reduction
Guidelines framed for smooth operation of local councils
PESHAWAR: The local government and rural development department has framed guidelines for smooth transition and succession of the existing local councils to the three-tier local governments, which have been elected through the recently held polls.
The guidelines have been framed in the light of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Act, 2013, according to sources. It merits a mention here that 24 departments would be devolved to the districts.
Each tier of the local government has separate guidelines. The deputy commissioner of the respective district will be the overall transition coordinator for all the three tiers of the local government, reveals a copy of the guidelines available with Dawn.
The deputy commissioners will provide district council hall for the meetings and other functions of the council besides providing offices and vehicles to the nazims. The deputy commissioners have to adopt appropriate alternative arrangements, in those districts where the designated offices, district council halls and vehicles are not available.
24 departments will be devolved to districts
Till availability of regular staff, the deputy commissioners will coordinate the arrangements of appropriate staff of existing district council or any other devolved office may be posted as support staff for district naizm and district council secretariat.
The existing structure and staff of devolved offices of district government will remain the same without any major dislocation or reshuffling. However, they will stand devolved to the district government as per spirit of the local government law.
According to the guidelines, detail rules, instructions and circulars regarding budgets, financial sanctions, development schemes, approving forums, supervision and monitoring and delegation of financial powers shall be circulated by the respective departments to be devolved in due course of time.
All local governments have been advised through the guidelines to prepare budget estimates for the year 2015-16 as per provision of the law for placement before the respective councils for approval as soon as they assume their offices.
Through the guidelines, the local government department has asked the authorities concerned to nominate one or more senior officers of the district government or TMA’s, well-conversant with the local government system and rules. Such officers will guide the respective departments and elected councillors on matters related to meetings of the councils, oath taking and assumption of offices by the elected representatives etc.
The guidelines related to tehsil and town municipal administration (TMA) states that the existing chief coordination officers in district councils and chief municipal officers in municipal corporation and municipal committees are directed to settle all matters relating to placement/adjustment of staff, distribution of assets and liabilities, establishment of offices, vehicles, furniture and equipment etc.
The assets shall be transferred to the successor TMAs and details will be submitted to the local council board duly signed by the respective heads of district councils and TMAs.
The guidelines says: “Ensure timely utilisation/distribution of the available funds with district councils in consultation and with the approval of respective DC being administrator of district council under intimation to all concerned and successors, as per provision of the Local Government Act, 2013.”
The ongoing schemes of the district councils may be transferred to their respective successor TMAs along with the funds and record for ultimate completion. Similarly, all contracts of local taxes and local source revenue have to be auctioned openly by their respective local councils in the light of the model terms and conditions, already circulated by local government department.
The third section of the guidelines is related to village and neighbourhood councils which states that designated joint bank accounts in the name of every village and neighbourhood councils may be opened in the nearest government scheduled bank.
It says that the provincial government has approved maximum Rs5,000 per month for the rent of office of village council and maximum Rs10,000 for the rent of office of neighbourhood council.
Till availability of full time staff in the newly created village/neighbourhood councils, the secretaries of the adjacent village and neighbourhood councils may be assigned additional charge to look after their day to day official work.
The local government department has also asked all the secretaries of the former union councils to prepare proper inventory of their assets and liabilities and provide a certified statement to the offices of their respective assistant directors of the local government department.
Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188924/guidelines-framed-for-smooth-operation-of-local-councils
Bail plea of former head of disaster management body rejected
PESHAWAR: A two-member bench of Peshawar High Court on Wednesday refused bail to a former director general of Fata Disaster Management Authority (FDMA), accused of misappropriating millions of rupees on account of payment of compensation for damaged properties to conflict-affected people in Mohmand Agency.
The bench comprising PHC Chief Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel and Justice Haider Ali Khan dismissed a writ petition filed by the suspect, Arshid Khan, seeking bail in the instant case. The suspect was serving as additional secretary of home department at the time of his arrest on April 2.
Umer Farooq, a prosecutor of NAB, argued that the petitioner and some other officials were arrested on charges of embezzling around Rs60 million on account of payment of compensation to the people affected by conflict.
He said that federal government had announced compensation to the affected people of Mohmand and Bajaur tribal agencies to the tune of Rs160,000 for partially damaged and Rs400,000 for completely damaged houses.
He argued that during course of inquiry by NAB, it was revealed that the petitioner, being director general of FDMA, in connivance with others managed to embezzled millions of rupees in compensations payment meant for the people affected by terrorism in Mohmand Agency.
The prosecutor contended that the petitioner had verified list of 122 bogus affected persons and forwarded it to Provincial Disaster Management Authority. He added that during inquiry, the said 122 affected persons could not be traced.
In the instant case apart from Arshid Khan, NAB had arrested a monitoring officer of FDMA Sirajuddin, a community mobiliser Irfan Khan, an assistant director of FDMA Irfanullah Khan, a manager of United Bank Limited Regi Lalma Branch Amjid Ali and two officials of Habib Bank Limited, Inayat Kallay Bajaur Agency, Sardar Khan and Mohammad Ayub.
NAB had alleged that the suspects opened fake bank accounts wherein the amount meant for the bogus affected people were deposited.
The counsels appearing for the petitioner argued that he was falsely implicated in the case. They said that some of the suspects had already admitted their guilt and entered into plea bargain with NAB. They added that after payment of the alleged misappropriated money by the other suspects, there was no justification for keeping the petitioner behind the bars.
Meanwhile, the bench also dismissed bail petition of a junior clerk of the University of Peshawar, Mohammad Ali, suspected of embezzling Rs15 million from the university’s fund.
His counsel contended that the high court had earlier dismissed his bail plea but despite passing of many months NAB had yet to file a reference before an accountability court. He contended that he may be set free on bail as presently there was no possibility of the starting of his trial in near future.
The NAB’s prosecutor stated that the bureau had completed investigation against him and soon a reference would be filed before the accountability court.
Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1188930/bail-plea-of-former-head-of-disaster-management-body-rejected
Syed Haider Imam
Chief Minister (5k+ posts)
Re: Update on KPK hydel projects
June 19 2015
Peshawar gets traffic warden system
PESHAWAR: The provincial government launched traffic warden system in the provincial metropolis on Thursday to ensure traffic education and facilitation of people by replacing the old setup.
The new system was formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Pervez Khattak at Malik Saad Khan Police Lines. IGP Nasir Khan Durrani also spoke on the occasion and shared details about traffic problems and gave suggestions for further improvement of the system.
The chief minister said that in the second phase the traffic warden services would be extended to Abbottabad and Swat. “In summer season, people usually face serious problems, especially with the influx of tourists,” he added.
Mr Khattak said that government had focused on legislation to uproot corruption, ensure provision of rights to people and bring an end to injustices. “We have given full independence to police to recruit and deploy personnel with a free hand without political interference but the government will ask for the required results,” he said.
Khattak says old public transport vehicles will be removed from roads
The chief minister said that government wanted to give autonomy to hospitals and colleges so that the institutions could be strengthened to achieve the required objectives regarding change in the fate of poor people.
Mr Khattak said that the lawmakers did not have anything with the development funds as it was duty of the local governments to carry out uplift projects and resolve civic problems being faced by people.
“We have shared our powers with the local governments so that joint efforts can be made for welfare of people,” the chief minister said. He added that transparency was their top priority to ensure implementation of the merit policy and provision of due rights to the deserving people.
About the efforts for improvement of the traffic system, Mr Khattak said that the outdated public transport vehicles would be removed from the roads with launching of 100 new air-conditioned buses. He said that in the past, rulers focused on accumulating of money through unfair means but his government would not let anyone do so.
Responding to the demands raised by the IGP regarding setting up of traffic engineering and planning agency, provision of quality vehicles to traffic wardens, construction of parking bays and release of funds, the chief minister said that government would extend full support to police if they proved their mettle.
Earlier, the IGP said that population of Peshawar was over seven million where new roads were not constructed but the number of the vehicles was increasing fast. He said that there was need to install new traffic signals at the busy intersections in the city areas and pay full attention to traffic engineering. He said that despite lack of resources, the first phase of traffic warden services was launched by repairing the old vehicles with the hope to get funds for meeting the requirements.
The IGP said that they would complete all the three phases of the traffic warden system during the next six months.
Retired Captain Wahid Mehmood, the chief traffic warden, also spoke about the basic four salient features of the new traffic system. He said that the new system was based on creation of awareness, facilitation, enforcement and internal accountability.
Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1189113/peshawar-gets-traffic-warden-system
Khattak okays funds for Sherpao’s constituency
PESHAWAR: It may take a while for the cat to come out of the bag but the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is sparing no expense to let it out.
The overtures it has been making to woo the Qaumi Watan Party to rejoin the coalition government may be paying off finally and while it may be just a matter of time before the reunion is formally announced, the marriage is already consecrated with a huge dowry of the sorts. Here is a case in point.
Chief Minister Pervez Khattak issued directives to provide Rs49.805 million for 66 schemes from special package for development initiatives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
A notification in this regard was issued on June 8, a day before the government convened multi-party conference in Peshawar to address reservations of opposition parties about rigging in the local government elections held on May 30.
QWP leader says it may be a bid by govt to win back his party
Except QWP, other opposition parties in the provincial assembly including Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl, Awami National Party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan People’s Party had opted out of the moot.
The notification specifically mentions PK-21, the home constituency of Sikandar Hayat Sherpao, the QWP parliamentary leader in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and provincial chairman of the party, where most of the schemes will be carried out.
The notification said the chief minister had been pleased to give funds totaling Rs49.805 million for various development works in Charsadda district out of Annual Development Programme (2014-15) scheme No 713/40497.
Special development package has been announced for Charsadda, one of the 26 districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, amid reports that PTI had extended formal invitation to the QWP to come back to the provincial government.
Terms and conditions for rejoining the government are being finalised. QWP has authorised its chairman, Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, to make final decision in this regard.
QWP, which has 10 seats in the assembly, is the former coalition partner of PTI.
PTI chairman Imran Khan had axed two QWP ministers in November 2013 on charge of corruption.
Responding to the corruption charges, QWP quit the government in protest and joined opposition benches.
An MPA of the QWP told Dawn that his party would soon rejoin the government. There are reports that PTI had offered QWP the office of the deputy speaker, which has been lying vacant for few months.
QWP has apparently departed from the combined opposition parties in the assembly after the latter boycotted the ongoing budget session.
“If God willing, we will soon become part of the provincial government,” said the MPA.
The interesting aspect of the notification is that funds have been sanctioned for PK-21 (Charsadda) constituency but other areas in Peshawar, Swabi, Swat, Bannu, Abbottabad, Shangla, Batagram and Malakand districts have been included in the list, where development schemes will be carried out from the same package.
Of the 66 development schemes, 31 will be carried out in Charsadda district.
Under the package, 50KV transformers and poles will be installed in recommended areas.
When contacted, information minister Mushtaq Ghani said package had been sanctioned on need basis and had nothing to do with the rejoining of the government by QWP.
He said the chief minister sanctioned the amount for development work in different areas.
A QWP leader told Dawn that the government had offered his party twice to rejoin the government before local government elections.
“It may be an attempt by the government to woo QWP,” he said.
Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1189128/khattak-okays-funds-for-sherpaos-constituency
Disaster risk management plan launched
PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority on Thursday launched its disaster risk management (DRM) roadmap for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Representatives of the international donors, NGOs and humanitarian organisations and officials of the federal and KP governments attended the ceremony here.
Secretary, Relief Rehabilitation and Settlement Department, said on the occasion that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was prone to a number of hazards, both natural and human induced, and they must work with dedication to mitigate the risks and prepare to ensure timely response to any potential disaster.
The roadmap can be considered as one of major milestones in bridging the existing gaps among disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and sustainable development.
Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1189111/disaster-risk-management-plan-launched
UoP official remanded in NAB custody
PESHAWAR: An accountability court here on Thursday remanded the director of Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Peshawar, Dr Imdadullah in the custody of National Accountability Bureau, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, for eight days in a case of alleged embezzlement of Rs12.49 million funds.
Accountability Court’s judge Mohammad Ibrahim Khan directed that the suspect should be produced before the court again on June 26. A NAB prosecutor stated before the court that the suspect was arrested a day earlier. He said that during an inquiry it was revealed that Dr Imdadullah deliberately maintained the cashbook entries in a manner that cheques for huge amounts were not entered into it.
The NAB has alleged that those cheques were issued in his names and that of two clerks, Arif Ismail and Mohammad Ali, and the same amounts were then cashed by them. The NAB has already arrested the two clerks.
In another case, an Ehtesab Court on Thursday remanded three officials, including the director general of Mines and Mineral Development Department, a deputy director of EPI, and a clerk of health department, in the custody of KP Ehtesab Commission for 14 days each.
The court of judge Subhan Sher Khan ordered that the three suspects should be produced again on July 1. Two additional deputy prosecutors general, Barrister Qazi Babar Irshad and Lajbar Khan, appeared before the court along with the suspects and stated that they were involved in different cases of corruption.
Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1189119/uop-official-remanded-in-nab-custody
June 19 2015
Peshawar gets traffic warden system
PESHAWAR: The provincial government launched traffic warden system in the provincial metropolis on Thursday to ensure traffic education and facilitation of people by replacing the old setup.
The new system was formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Pervez Khattak at Malik Saad Khan Police Lines. IGP Nasir Khan Durrani also spoke on the occasion and shared details about traffic problems and gave suggestions for further improvement of the system.
The chief minister said that in the second phase the traffic warden services would be extended to Abbottabad and Swat. “In summer season, people usually face serious problems, especially with the influx of tourists,” he added.
Mr Khattak said that government had focused on legislation to uproot corruption, ensure provision of rights to people and bring an end to injustices. “We have given full independence to police to recruit and deploy personnel with a free hand without political interference but the government will ask for the required results,” he said.
Khattak says old public transport vehicles will be removed from roads
The chief minister said that government wanted to give autonomy to hospitals and colleges so that the institutions could be strengthened to achieve the required objectives regarding change in the fate of poor people.
Mr Khattak said that the lawmakers did not have anything with the development funds as it was duty of the local governments to carry out uplift projects and resolve civic problems being faced by people.
“We have shared our powers with the local governments so that joint efforts can be made for welfare of people,” the chief minister said. He added that transparency was their top priority to ensure implementation of the merit policy and provision of due rights to the deserving people.
About the efforts for improvement of the traffic system, Mr Khattak said that the outdated public transport vehicles would be removed from the roads with launching of 100 new air-conditioned buses. He said that in the past, rulers focused on accumulating of money through unfair means but his government would not let anyone do so.
Responding to the demands raised by the IGP regarding setting up of traffic engineering and planning agency, provision of quality vehicles to traffic wardens, construction of parking bays and release of funds, the chief minister said that government would extend full support to police if they proved their mettle.
Earlier, the IGP said that population of Peshawar was over seven million where new roads were not constructed but the number of the vehicles was increasing fast. He said that there was need to install new traffic signals at the busy intersections in the city areas and pay full attention to traffic engineering. He said that despite lack of resources, the first phase of traffic warden services was launched by repairing the old vehicles with the hope to get funds for meeting the requirements.
The IGP said that they would complete all the three phases of the traffic warden system during the next six months.
Retired Captain Wahid Mehmood, the chief traffic warden, also spoke about the basic four salient features of the new traffic system. He said that the new system was based on creation of awareness, facilitation, enforcement and internal accountability.
Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1189113/peshawar-gets-traffic-warden-system
Khattak okays funds for Sherpao’s constituency
PESHAWAR: It may take a while for the cat to come out of the bag but the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is sparing no expense to let it out.
The overtures it has been making to woo the Qaumi Watan Party to rejoin the coalition government may be paying off finally and while it may be just a matter of time before the reunion is formally announced, the marriage is already consecrated with a huge dowry of the sorts. Here is a case in point.
Chief Minister Pervez Khattak issued directives to provide Rs49.805 million for 66 schemes from special package for development initiatives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
A notification in this regard was issued on June 8, a day before the government convened multi-party conference in Peshawar to address reservations of opposition parties about rigging in the local government elections held on May 30.
QWP leader says it may be a bid by govt to win back his party
Except QWP, other opposition parties in the provincial assembly including Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl, Awami National Party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan People’s Party had opted out of the moot.
The notification specifically mentions PK-21, the home constituency of Sikandar Hayat Sherpao, the QWP parliamentary leader in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and provincial chairman of the party, where most of the schemes will be carried out.
The notification said the chief minister had been pleased to give funds totaling Rs49.805 million for various development works in Charsadda district out of Annual Development Programme (2014-15) scheme No 713/40497.
Special development package has been announced for Charsadda, one of the 26 districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, amid reports that PTI had extended formal invitation to the QWP to come back to the provincial government.
Terms and conditions for rejoining the government are being finalised. QWP has authorised its chairman, Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, to make final decision in this regard.
QWP, which has 10 seats in the assembly, is the former coalition partner of PTI.
PTI chairman Imran Khan had axed two QWP ministers in November 2013 on charge of corruption.
Responding to the corruption charges, QWP quit the government in protest and joined opposition benches.
An MPA of the QWP told Dawn that his party would soon rejoin the government. There are reports that PTI had offered QWP the office of the deputy speaker, which has been lying vacant for few months.
QWP has apparently departed from the combined opposition parties in the assembly after the latter boycotted the ongoing budget session.
“If God willing, we will soon become part of the provincial government,” said the MPA.
The interesting aspect of the notification is that funds have been sanctioned for PK-21 (Charsadda) constituency but other areas in Peshawar, Swabi, Swat, Bannu, Abbottabad, Shangla, Batagram and Malakand districts have been included in the list, where development schemes will be carried out from the same package.
Of the 66 development schemes, 31 will be carried out in Charsadda district.
Under the package, 50KV transformers and poles will be installed in recommended areas.
When contacted, information minister Mushtaq Ghani said package had been sanctioned on need basis and had nothing to do with the rejoining of the government by QWP.
He said the chief minister sanctioned the amount for development work in different areas.
A QWP leader told Dawn that the government had offered his party twice to rejoin the government before local government elections.
“It may be an attempt by the government to woo QWP,” he said.
Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1189128/khattak-okays-funds-for-sherpaos-constituency
Disaster risk management plan launched
PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority on Thursday launched its disaster risk management (DRM) roadmap for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Representatives of the international donors, NGOs and humanitarian organisations and officials of the federal and KP governments attended the ceremony here.
Secretary, Relief Rehabilitation and Settlement Department, said on the occasion that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was prone to a number of hazards, both natural and human induced, and they must work with dedication to mitigate the risks and prepare to ensure timely response to any potential disaster.
The roadmap can be considered as one of major milestones in bridging the existing gaps among disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and sustainable development.
Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1189111/disaster-risk-management-plan-launched
UoP official remanded in NAB custody
PESHAWAR: An accountability court here on Thursday remanded the director of Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Peshawar, Dr Imdadullah in the custody of National Accountability Bureau, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, for eight days in a case of alleged embezzlement of Rs12.49 million funds.
Accountability Court’s judge Mohammad Ibrahim Khan directed that the suspect should be produced before the court again on June 26. A NAB prosecutor stated before the court that the suspect was arrested a day earlier. He said that during an inquiry it was revealed that Dr Imdadullah deliberately maintained the cashbook entries in a manner that cheques for huge amounts were not entered into it.
The NAB has alleged that those cheques were issued in his names and that of two clerks, Arif Ismail and Mohammad Ali, and the same amounts were then cashed by them. The NAB has already arrested the two clerks.
In another case, an Ehtesab Court on Thursday remanded three officials, including the director general of Mines and Mineral Development Department, a deputy director of EPI, and a clerk of health department, in the custody of KP Ehtesab Commission for 14 days each.
The court of judge Subhan Sher Khan ordered that the three suspects should be produced again on July 1. Two additional deputy prosecutors general, Barrister Qazi Babar Irshad and Lajbar Khan, appeared before the court along with the suspects and stated that they were involved in different cases of corruption.
Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1189119/uop-official-remanded-in-nab-custody
Last edited:
Syed Haider Imam
Chief Minister (5k+ posts)
Re: Update on KPK hydel projects
June 20 2015
KP Assembly okays Rs111bn demands for grant
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Friday approved demands for grants valuing over Rs111 billion for various government departments.
Absence of the most opposition members paved the way for easy approval of 33 of the 59 demands of grants as most of the cut motions submitted by them were lapsed.
Usually lengthy discussions and fiery speeches by the opposition are seen during the approval of the demands for grants.
Major opposition parties, including Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl, Awami National Party, Pakistan People’s Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, have announced boycott of the budget session against the alleged rigging in the May 30 local body elections in the province.
The only opposition party, Qaumi Watan Party, was present in the assembly.
Its three members, including Aneesazeb Tahirkheli, Miraj Hamayun and Bakht Baidar Khan, moved cut motions over a few demands of grant but withdrew them all afterwards.
The demands for grants were approved for health, administration, finance, planning and development, revenue and estate, excise and taxation, home, prisons, police, law and justice, higher education, communication and works, public health engineering, agriculture and other departments.
Aneesazeb Tahirkheli objected to the demand for grant Rs1.434 billion for the home department earlier tabled by law minister Imtiaz Shahid.
She flayed the home department for failing to prepare security plan for the recent local government polls.
The lawmaker said the home department was very important department but it was not playing its due role in the province’s affairs.
She also held the department responsible for mismanagement in local body elections.
Responding to her criticism, Chief Minister Pervez Khattak painted a bleak picture of the performance of the deputy commissioners, who acted as district returning officers during the elections.
The chief minister said reports submitted DROs about poll mismanagement showed how poorly, they handled electoral exercise on May 30.
“The reports were very strange in which DROs discussed certain irregularities committed on the election day. No one other than DROs are responsible for mismanagement,” he said.
“Reports submitted by DROs to the provincial government will be used as FIR against them,” the visibly annoyed chief minister said.
He said the DROs clearly mentioned in reports that polling staff members were untrained; they were absent from many polling stations or reached on duty late, and ballot papers and election symbols on them were missing.
Khattak said actually, it was the responsibility of DROs to manage things related to elections.
“Why they didn’t fulfil their responsibilities,” he said.
The chief minister said because of mismanagement for which DROs were responsible, a malicious propaganda had been launched against the PTI government in the province.
“The government will take actions against DROs once the chief secretary completes inquiry and files report,” he said.
Commenting on the Rs9.268 billion demand for grant for higher education department, Miraj Hamayun said every government showed interest in establishing new universities but didn’t give importance to the quality of education.
She said the provincial government had not mentioned any project or plan on improvement of the quality of education in universities.
On the insistence of higher education minister Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani, she withdrew her cut motion and allowed the approval of grant for the higher education department.
Speaker Asad Qaisar adjourned the session until 10am on Monday.
Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1189354/kp-assembly-okays-rs111bn-demands-for-grant
Karak residents complain of poor municipal services
KARAK: The residents of Karak city have complained about the poor performance of tehsil municipal administration (TMA), Karak, to ensure cleanliness and supply of drinking water in the city.
The residents warned that if the supply of drinking water and cleanliness was not ensured in the city they would stop paying monthly water bills to the administration.
These issues were raised in a meeting of elders, including Malik Sajid, Mustafa Khattak, Adil Khan and Mohammad Tahir, here on Friday. They said that the drainage system of the city was choked and in dilapidated condition, and all the drains remained full of filth, spreading stinking smell in the area.
They complained that in case of rain the stinking water also entered the houses. The elders said that garbage could be seen scattered everywhere in the residential areas of the city.
They said that the residents had been complaining to TMA officials about the unhygienic environment, but to no avail. The citizens regretted that TMA was not performing its basic responsibility of the provision of drinking water to Karak city though they had regularly been paying their monthly water bills.
They complained that on the first day of Ramazan the residents faced severe shortage of drinking water. They said that some tube-wells of TMA had turned brackish, but the TMA did not bother to develop other sources of drinking water to resolve the basic problem of residents.
The elders said that the residents had been buying drinking water for Rs1,500 per water tanker, which was a burden on the poverty-stricken people. They also demanded provision of streetlights and demanded immediate restoration of all municipal services in the city.
DROWNED: A teenage girl drowned in a small dam. Family members of the girl said here on Friday that Lubna, daughter of Akhter Jan of Ghundi Mir Khankhel, went to her uncle’s house where she along with other relative women were washing clothes on the bank of a dam. They said that all of a sudden she fell into the water and drowned. Local divers later retrieved her body. — Correspondent
Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2015
Policemen awarded cash, certificates
PESHAWAR: The provincial police department on Friday paid Rs6.7million and commendation certificates to police personnel as reward for arrest or killing of the wanted terrorists.
The cash and certificates were given by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Nasir Khan Durrani at a ceremony at central police office here.
The beneficiaries belong to Mardan, Swabi and DI Khan districts who were awarded on their bravery and courage against militants carrying head money.
The police officers and jawans who were awarded included DSP Swabi Shah Mumtaz and his team, who were given Rs2 million; DSP Mardan Fazle Wahid and his team getting Rs1 million; DSP DI Khan Zahur-ud-din and his team with award of Rs1 million; Sub-Inspector DI Khan Adnan Khan and his team Rs1 million; and Constable Zulqarnain of DI Khan Rs0.5 million.
A statement issued from CPO said Swabi police had killed a notorious terrorist, Salman alias Sajid, of Sheikh Jana and his two accomplices in an encounter in which one Elite Force constable, Said Azam, also died and two DSPs, an inspector and two constables injured. The terrorist was carrying head money of Rs2 million.
The Mardan police had killed a dreaded terrorist, Abu Saeed of Malik Abad carrying head money of Rs1 million.
Similarly, the DI Khan police had killed three terrorists namely Abdullah, Akhtar Mohammad and Bahadar Khan. The provincial government had fixed Rs1 million and 0.5 million as had money on their arrest. — Bureau
Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1189302/policemen-awarded-cash-certificates
June 20 2015
KP Assembly okays Rs111bn demands for grant
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Friday approved demands for grants valuing over Rs111 billion for various government departments.
Absence of the most opposition members paved the way for easy approval of 33 of the 59 demands of grants as most of the cut motions submitted by them were lapsed.
Usually lengthy discussions and fiery speeches by the opposition are seen during the approval of the demands for grants.
Major opposition parties, including Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl, Awami National Party, Pakistan People’s Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, have announced boycott of the budget session against the alleged rigging in the May 30 local body elections in the province.
The only opposition party, Qaumi Watan Party, was present in the assembly.
Its three members, including Aneesazeb Tahirkheli, Miraj Hamayun and Bakht Baidar Khan, moved cut motions over a few demands of grant but withdrew them all afterwards.
The demands for grants were approved for health, administration, finance, planning and development, revenue and estate, excise and taxation, home, prisons, police, law and justice, higher education, communication and works, public health engineering, agriculture and other departments.
Aneesazeb Tahirkheli objected to the demand for grant Rs1.434 billion for the home department earlier tabled by law minister Imtiaz Shahid.
She flayed the home department for failing to prepare security plan for the recent local government polls.
The lawmaker said the home department was very important department but it was not playing its due role in the province’s affairs.
She also held the department responsible for mismanagement in local body elections.
Responding to her criticism, Chief Minister Pervez Khattak painted a bleak picture of the performance of the deputy commissioners, who acted as district returning officers during the elections.
The chief minister said reports submitted DROs about poll mismanagement showed how poorly, they handled electoral exercise on May 30.
“The reports were very strange in which DROs discussed certain irregularities committed on the election day. No one other than DROs are responsible for mismanagement,” he said.
“Reports submitted by DROs to the provincial government will be used as FIR against them,” the visibly annoyed chief minister said.
He said the DROs clearly mentioned in reports that polling staff members were untrained; they were absent from many polling stations or reached on duty late, and ballot papers and election symbols on them were missing.
Khattak said actually, it was the responsibility of DROs to manage things related to elections.
“Why they didn’t fulfil their responsibilities,” he said.
The chief minister said because of mismanagement for which DROs were responsible, a malicious propaganda had been launched against the PTI government in the province.
“The government will take actions against DROs once the chief secretary completes inquiry and files report,” he said.
Commenting on the Rs9.268 billion demand for grant for higher education department, Miraj Hamayun said every government showed interest in establishing new universities but didn’t give importance to the quality of education.
She said the provincial government had not mentioned any project or plan on improvement of the quality of education in universities.
On the insistence of higher education minister Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani, she withdrew her cut motion and allowed the approval of grant for the higher education department.
Speaker Asad Qaisar adjourned the session until 10am on Monday.
Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1189354/kp-assembly-okays-rs111bn-demands-for-grant
Karak residents complain of poor municipal services
KARAK: The residents of Karak city have complained about the poor performance of tehsil municipal administration (TMA), Karak, to ensure cleanliness and supply of drinking water in the city.
The residents warned that if the supply of drinking water and cleanliness was not ensured in the city they would stop paying monthly water bills to the administration.
These issues were raised in a meeting of elders, including Malik Sajid, Mustafa Khattak, Adil Khan and Mohammad Tahir, here on Friday. They said that the drainage system of the city was choked and in dilapidated condition, and all the drains remained full of filth, spreading stinking smell in the area.
They complained that in case of rain the stinking water also entered the houses. The elders said that garbage could be seen scattered everywhere in the residential areas of the city.
They said that the residents had been complaining to TMA officials about the unhygienic environment, but to no avail. The citizens regretted that TMA was not performing its basic responsibility of the provision of drinking water to Karak city though they had regularly been paying their monthly water bills.
They complained that on the first day of Ramazan the residents faced severe shortage of drinking water. They said that some tube-wells of TMA had turned brackish, but the TMA did not bother to develop other sources of drinking water to resolve the basic problem of residents.
The elders said that the residents had been buying drinking water for Rs1,500 per water tanker, which was a burden on the poverty-stricken people. They also demanded provision of streetlights and demanded immediate restoration of all municipal services in the city.
DROWNED: A teenage girl drowned in a small dam. Family members of the girl said here on Friday that Lubna, daughter of Akhter Jan of Ghundi Mir Khankhel, went to her uncle’s house where she along with other relative women were washing clothes on the bank of a dam. They said that all of a sudden she fell into the water and drowned. Local divers later retrieved her body. — Correspondent
Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2015
Policemen awarded cash, certificates
PESHAWAR: The provincial police department on Friday paid Rs6.7million and commendation certificates to police personnel as reward for arrest or killing of the wanted terrorists.
The cash and certificates were given by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Nasir Khan Durrani at a ceremony at central police office here.
The beneficiaries belong to Mardan, Swabi and DI Khan districts who were awarded on their bravery and courage against militants carrying head money.
The police officers and jawans who were awarded included DSP Swabi Shah Mumtaz and his team, who were given Rs2 million; DSP Mardan Fazle Wahid and his team getting Rs1 million; DSP DI Khan Zahur-ud-din and his team with award of Rs1 million; Sub-Inspector DI Khan Adnan Khan and his team Rs1 million; and Constable Zulqarnain of DI Khan Rs0.5 million.
A statement issued from CPO said Swabi police had killed a notorious terrorist, Salman alias Sajid, of Sheikh Jana and his two accomplices in an encounter in which one Elite Force constable, Said Azam, also died and two DSPs, an inspector and two constables injured. The terrorist was carrying head money of Rs2 million.
The Mardan police had killed a dreaded terrorist, Abu Saeed of Malik Abad carrying head money of Rs1 million.
Similarly, the DI Khan police had killed three terrorists namely Abdullah, Akhtar Mohammad and Bahadar Khan. The provincial government had fixed Rs1 million and 0.5 million as had money on their arrest. — Bureau
Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2015
http://www.dawn.com/news/1189302/policemen-awarded-cash-certificates
