RAWALPINDI, June 7: Special funds have been allocated for the development of backward and far-flung rural areas in the forthcoming budget of the Tehsil Municipal Administration, Tehsil Nazim Raja Hamid Nawaz said.

He was inaugurating the construction of streets and roads in Bandah Union Council Bandah here on Saturday. He said the budget would be people-friendly and special attention be given to uplift works in underdeveloped areas.

The Tehsil Nazim told the gathering that he had informed the Punjab chief minister, Chaudhry Pervez Illahi, and provincial minister for local governments and rural development Mohammad Basharat Raja about the problems of Rawalpindi and the deprivations of the people here. A detailed report has been submitted to them, he said.

The chief minister has promised that a special grant will be earmarked for the development works in Rawalpindi in the forthcoming provincial budget, Mr Nawaz said.

This grant, he maintained, would be spent on the development of backward localities. All avenues will be explored and means exploited to solve people’s problems.

The Nazim praised the local government system, saying it was good for solving problems at the grass-roots level.