SWABI: Most of the parties in the Swabi Democratic Alliance (SDA), which rules the local government in the district, are unhappy over ‘unfair’ distribution of development funds by the district nazim.

The allied parties think that if the upcoming budget does not ensure equal distribution of funds then the alliance will have uncertain future, Dawn has learnt.

Sources in SDA said the allied parties alleged that in the previous budget district nazim Ameer Rehman allocated more funds for PK-33, Swabi-III, because he wanted to contest elections from the constituency.

The coalition partners this time want a major chunk in the upcoming district budget, and for this purpose, they have held several meetings, the sources disclosed.

The coalition was formed soon after local government elections, aiming to block Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf from forming the government and keeping provincial minister Shahram Khan Tarakai’s family under pressure.

The alliance includes PPP, JI, JUI-F, ANP, QWP, Swabi Qaumi Mahaz and PML-N.

Sources in the district government and political parties leaders said the upcoming budget would be a great test for the ANP district nazim Rehman. Mr Ameer is also district president of ANP.

“The district nazim faces a great test in satisfying the alliance partners and opposition members in allocation of development funds,” said a political leader.

A few days back, in a meeting of the alliance parties, it was alleged by JUI-F and PML-N leaders that the district nazim had allocated a major portion of the previous budget to his constituency, ignoring other parties.

“We are also elected by people who attached great expectations with us,” said a leader of an allied party.

The alliance partners feel that if their concerns are not addressed in the upcoming budget it will have far-reaching repercussions for the future of the coalition government in Swabi, the sources said.

When contacted, PML-N district general secretary Dildar Khan confirmed to Dawn that the parties had reservations over distribution of funds. “However, despite that we are determined to keep the alliance intact,” he said.

Masood Jabar, QWP’s district chairman, said if district nazim worked according to the agreed upon formula, there would be no problem for the alliance.

Similar views were expressed by PPP president Javid Inqilabi and leaders of other political parties.

However, ANP leaders insisted that the alliance would remain intact as the district nazim had the political acumen to handle the issues with skill.

LAID TO REST: SHO of Zaida police station, Mohammad Asghar Khan, who was killed in a militant attack on Monday night, was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard in Thano village of Tordher on Tuesday.

Khan was injured along with two cops as militants opened fire on police personnel. However, he succumbed to his injuries in hospital. The other two cops are now in stable condition.

Police officials and people from different walks of life attended the funeral.

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2016