KOHAT: A multiparty conference here on Monday expressed concern over delay in release of Rs10 billion oil and gas royalty funds to the Kohat division.

The MPC was held at the hujra of former district nazim Seth Gohar. The participants regretted that the resource-rich region which was contributing heavily to the exchequer was being kept deprived of development.

Former Awami National Party MPA Haji Aurangzeb and the party’s district president Javed Khattak accused former chief minister Pervez Khattak and the incumbent Mahmood Khan of delaying payment of the dues which had now swelled to Rs10 billion.

They demanded inclusion of Kohat-Rawalpindi expressway and Mattani-Kohat-DI Khan motorway projects in the CPEC.

SHIFTING OF OFFICE SOUGHT: A committee of elders from Lower Orakzai tehsil has demanded shifting of all the offices in Hangu and Kohat to the tribal district for convenience of the tribesmen.

The committee members led by Malik Munsif Khan urged the government to rename the Kalaya headquarters as Feroze Khel because the land for the government offices was provided by the tribe.

They demanded of MNA Jawad Hussain to resolve the problems faced by the tribes of the district.

Haji Tariq, a jirga member, told Dawn that a peaceful sit-in had been continuing for last five days at the headquarters of lower Orakzai. He said the people violating a peace agreement should be fined.

ARREST: The police have taken into custody 10 persons, both from the Shia and Sunni communities, for damaging property and scuffling with the cops last week, in a bid to defuse the tense situation in the district.

Meanwhile, after spike in sectarian tension section 144 was imposed on Sunday.

The decision was taken after the participants of a rally pelted stones at the police, injuring two officers.

Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2020