BAJAUR: Scores of tribal elders and landlords of Bajaur tribal district have expressed concern over suspension of incentives extended to them for decades on account of their land provided to the schools, hospitals and other development schemes in their respective localities.

Addressing a press conference here at Bajaur Press Club, they warned that they would not provide land for any public scheme in future if their incentives were not restored.

The elders and landlords included Malik Hafizur Rahman, Malik Nawaz Khan, Malik Jahangir Khan and others.

They said the government did not extend certain incentives on account of land provided for government projects in their areas after the merger of tribal districts into the province. The incentives include appointment of family members on class-IV posts like that of watchmen and peon at new public welfare schemes like schools and hospitals constructed on their land.

The elders said the education department had promised with them to recruit their family members on the posts of watchmen and peons at the 65 newly-established government schools when they were giving the land for their buildings about two years ago.

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2020