12 February 2004	Thursday	20 Zilhaj 1424

PESHAWAR, Feb 11: Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani has called upon the elected representatives and political figures to make efforts for solving problems being faced by the masses.

Talking to members of the provincial assembly, who called on him at the Frontier House here on Wednesday, the chief minister said that he would look into the problems and issues raised by the members, and added that the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) government would go all-out to implement its agenda to change people's lot.

He said the development strategy initiated by the provincial government would usher into a new era of prosperity. The government was doing everything for the development of the province in consultation with the elected representatives and the people, he added.

The chief minister said he was in contact with the federal government for the release of funds to provide Sui gas to various localities in Mardan, Charsadda, Peshawar and Swat districts.

He also referred to the allocation of Rs170 million by the Frontier government for the extension of the Sui gas facility, saying that the formula agreed with the Punjab government in this regard would be implemented in letter and spirit.

Talking to the elected representatives of southern districts, the chief minister assured them that development schemes in these backward districts would be executed on a priority basis. He said the Sui gas facility was also being extended to the southern districts.

An office of the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines had been established at Lachi in Kohat to conduct a survey and connect the locally produced gas to the national grid. He said that it would be inaugurated soon.

The chief minister told the elected representatives from Kohistan that he would personally look into the pace of work on development schemes and monitor the process of improving social services in backward areas.

Talking to the minority MPAs, he said rights of the minority people would be protected and they would be involved in the mainstream development. On this occasion, he told the women MPAs that the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal government attached top priority to women education.

He also referred to the steps being taken for opening of new avenues in the education sector for women. He also hinted at the establishment of a Darul Kafala at a cost of Rs3 million for women.