BAJAUR: Provincial minister for Zakat, Ushr, social welfare and women empowerment Anwarzeb Khan here on Friday promised a development package for the backward Mamond tehsil of Bajaur tribal district.

The minister made the announcement while speaking at jirgas held in Shahi Tangi, Khari Kamar and Kalpanai areas of the tehsil.

He held the previous governments and former lawmakers responsible for the backwardness of the region.

Mr Zeb said residents of far-flung areas had played key role in defeating terrorism, but no government paid attention to improving their living standard. The minister, however, promised approving a special development package for the areas.

The provincial minister also announced several schemes for the areas from his special development fund.

He announced solarisation of eight mosques, construction of eight-kilometre road and provision of electricity in Shahi Tangi area, 10 solar-based water schemes, blacktopping of Shago-Khari Kamar road, installation of six new electricity transformers and establishment of sports ground in Khari Kamar locality and provision of staff and equipment to the basic health unit and a middle school in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, local elders and PTI workers thanked the minister for visiting their region and announcing development schemes. They hoped the minister would implement his promises.

PTI workers urged the minister to bring disgruntled activists back into the party fold by removing their concerns.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2022