LAKKI MARWAT: Bittani tribesmen have asked the government to provide natural gas facility to their area and open branches of National Bank and Bank of Khyber in Tajori town.

The demands were made at a khuli kutcheri convened by Deputy Commissioner Abdul Hadi in Shadikhel area here the other day. Heads of line departments were also present on the occasion.

The deputy commissioner directed the heads of line departments to share with administration the progress report about resolution of issues of tribesmen. “The demands of elders are genuine. The administration will leave no stone unturned to provide maximum relief to people,” he said.

The elders demanded provision of ambulances to Chigalar and Gazgoba areas and establishment of NBP and BoK branches in Tajori town. “Along with provision of gas to the area, Oil and Gas development Company should arrange a pick and drop facility for students of Bittani subdivision from its corporate social responsibility funds,” they said.

They said that local growers were in dire need of seeds and fertilisers. They also demanded an increase in polling booths at the polling stations in Tati Palosa area for the upcoming general elections.

They asked the authorities to resolve the salary-related issues of teachers and Class-IV employees and provide funds for construction of additional classrooms and installation of a solar power system at government primary school in Tati Palosa.

The deputy commissioner directed the OGDCL authorities to take immediate steps about the demands of tribesmen. He said that his administration would approach the quarters concerned for establishment of banks in Tajori town.

Mr Hadi directed the agriculture department officials to ensure provision of free or subsidised seeds and fertilisers to the farmers of Bittani subdivision.

He also directed the officials of health and education departments to resolve the issues highlighted by the elders on a priority basis.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2023