MANSEHRA/LOWER DIR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government Contractors Association has threatened to boycott the tendering process and suspend work on ongoing development projects if the provincial government does not increase their charges in proportion to steep rise in rates of building material by June 30.

“Inflation has risen to an all-time high, and in this situation, we can neither take part in the tendering process nor can we continue work on the ongoing projects,” Malik Riaz, the association’s president, told a convention attended largely by the contractors from across Hazara division on Tuesday.

He threatened if the government did not revise the existing rates of construction with immediate effect, they would not take part in the bidding/tending process for development projects.

“Prices of steel, cement and other construction material have doubled during last couple of months and in such a situation we cannot carry on work on projects,” Mr Riaz said.

Meanwhile, a government contractors’ convention was also held in Chakdara area of Lower Dir, which was attended by members of the association from across the Malakand division, to demand increase in their charges.

Acting provincial president of the contractors’ body Sirajul Haq chaired the convention.

On this occasion, Mr Haq, provincial general secretary Malik Riaz, Malakand division president Ikramullah, general secretary Imran Takur and others said prices of daily use commodities had gone up by 200 per cent and prices of building material by 400 per cent during last few months.

They said it was difficult for them to continue work on projects with the previous rates.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2022