July 27, 2007	Friday	Rajab 11, 1428

MANSEHRA, July 26: A surplus and tax-free budget of Balakot for the fiscal year 2007-08 with a total outlay of Rs10.89 million was passed unanimously on Thursday. The budget session was held at the famous tourist spot, Narain, with Convener Chaudhry Mohammad Siddiq sitting in the chair.

Tehsil nazim Syed Junaid Qasim presented the budget. He said the October 8, 2005, quake tragedy had incurred a loss of over Rs 5.6 million to the tehsil. The quake had shattered Balakot and caused huge infrastructural damage and economic losses.

He said Rs 4.3 million had been earmarked for development in the area and Rs 0.5 million for purchase of a fire brigade unit.