TIMERGARA: Lower Dir district nazim Mohammad Rasool Khan and deputy commissioner Shaukat Ali Yousafzai on Friday demanded of the interior ministry and director general immigration and passport, Islamabad, to extend the renewal date of passport for all government employees.

They have also requested the authorities to exempt government employees from the fine/additional fee of Rs5,000 while renewing their passports.

Taking notice of grievances of government employees the district nazim and deputy commissioner wrote separate letters to the director general immigration and passport and the ministry of interior, stating that July 22 had been fixed as last date for renewal of passports of government officials who had earlier obtained the document concealing their profession.

The letters said due to rush and lack of staff at local passport office scuffles and other untoward incidents were being reported daily.

Meanwhile, a group of teachers led by Syed Mohammad Shah met the deputy commissioner and apprised him about the situation.

The district nazim also visited the Timergara passport office on Friday and observed long queues of employees.

The interior ministry and directorate of immigration and passport have issued instructions regarding issuance of passports to government officials who had earlier obtained the document in private capacity concealing their jobs. These officials have been directed to renew their passport with additional Rs5,000 fine.

BUDGET APPROVED: The Lower Dir district council on Friday approved Rs9.3 billion budget for the year 2019-20 at a session chaired by convener Abdul Rashid.

Taking part in debate on budget proposals, members from both the treasury and opposition termed the budget people-friendly and balanced.Also, the Balambat tehsil council passed Rs179.6 million deficit budget for 2019-20 during a meeting held with convener Zainul Abideen in the chair.

Tehsil nazim Imranuddin told the house that Rs134.6 million had been allocated for development works and Rs45.08 million for non-development expenses.

The nazim said the council faced Rs39.6 million deficit.

Meanwhile, the Munda tehsil council also presented Rs94.24 million budget for the next year.

On the occasion, tehsil nazim Humayun Khan said Rs59.4 million had been allocated for development and Rs34.84 million for non-development expenditures. He said Rs17 million would be spent on ongoing schemes.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2019