April 12, 2008	Saturday	Rabi-us-Sani 5, 1429

PESHAWAR, April 11: NWFP Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti has expressed concern over what he called the “artificially created atta (flour) shortage” in the market and directed the authorities concerned to initiate stern action against hoarders and profiteers.

“We will not tolerate any lethargy on the part of officials, who are responsible for maintaining the prices of essential commodities,” he said, adding that his government would not spare anyone found guilty of deliberately creating shortage of flour in the market and warned that such elements would be dealt with an iron hand.

He also warned against flour smuggling and said such practices would not be tolerated at any costs. The chief minister was talking to a delegation of provincial legislators and a group of journalists who separately called on him here on Friday.

Mr Hoti issued directives for ensuring provision of sufficient flour to remote areas of the province. He said the people should be provided basic commodities at their doorsteps at nominal rates. Stressing the need for check and balance system at the Utility Stores, he said officials would face the consequences of their wrongdoings.

Keeping in view the deepening flour crisis in the province, the chief minister directed for practical steps to ensure that the sanctioned quota of flour had reached every district of the province. The chief minister termed smuggling of flour as the biggest issue and said that necessary steps were being taken to counter the trend. The daily quota of wheat to local flourmills had been increased from 5,000 to 6,500 tons that will ease the crises. Likewise, he said, flour supply from Punjab had started which would calm the situation within a couple of days.

LOADSHEDDING: Referring to the prolong loadshedding, the chief minister directed for avoiding unnecessary blackout and appealed the masses to play role in saving energy. He said the government was determined to serve the masses and asked MPAs to work sincerely towards the end beyond their political affiliations.

WOMEN COMMISSION: The chief minister said his government believed in providing equal opportunities to womenfolk in every spheres of life.

“We are planning to establish a commission for women at provincial level and other institutes working for women development would also be encouraged,” he said.

WOMEN HOSTEL: Mr Hoti disclosed that he had accepted a proposal floated by the prime minister during his visit to the provincial metropolis that a hostel for working women should be established in Peshawar. He said that his government was taking along all political forces and would work for achieving the targets and goals.

GRAND JIRGA: Mr Hoti said that the formation of a grand jirga to hold negotiations with the militants will be completed within the next two weeks. A cabinet committee, comprising senior ministers and MPAs from the Malakand region as its members, had started its homework in this regard.

He said the committee would engage local leadership in the volatile areas and transform the body into a grand jirga.

The chief minister conceded that he was not expecting 100 per cent success from the proposed jirga, but clarified that such type of arrangements had worked in the North Waziristan tribal region and Dir district.

ELITE FORCE: Referring to steps being taken for improving law and order situation, the chief minister said that an elite force of 7,500 personnel was being raised that would be given advanced training and latest equipment.