KHAR: The elders of Barang tehsil on Thursday demanded the immediate execution of development schemes facing delay in the region.

The demand was made during a jirga of various Barang sub-tribes here in Memola area, the tehsil headquarters.

The people from all walks of life, including elders, religious and political leaders, and social activists, attended the event in large numbers.

They regretted delay in the launch of the federal government-sponsored development schemes in the region.

The speakers said the government had approved a number of development schemes for the region but the works on them had yet to begin.

They said former KP governor Mahtab Ahmad Khan had approved a degree college for the area more than two years ago but the project’s execution had been delayed for unidentified reasons.

The speakers said the people were very pleased by the approval of the college in the region and had even donated a vast piece of land for the building.

They said the unnecessary delay in the construction of the college’s building despite given free land was a matter of serious concern for them as its spreading disappointment among local tribesmen.

The speakers said all arrangements to begin work on the college’s building had been finalised several months ago, but a pro-administration elder in the area was creating problem in the establishment of the college’s building.

They said the tribal elder, who backing by some officials wanted to establish the college at his land, thus the construction works on college had been pending for the last several months.

The speakers asked the local administration to remove all complications in the way of construction of the college in the area.

They also showed concern about the delay in establishment of the Governor’s Model School in Barang tehsil and said the local administration had approved the school two years ago.

The speakers demanded the immediate construction of the educational institution.

The speakers appealed to the federal government and local administration to declare Barang tehsil a calamity-hit area and announce special compensation package for its people.

They also demanded better health facilities for local residents.

Published in Dawn, September 30th, 2016