LAKKI MARWAT: The protesting workers of tehsil municipal administration Bakkakhel have threatened to lock the offices of the civic body and block roads if they are not paid their five-month salaries till December 5.

They held a demonstration outside Bannu Press Club on Wednesday for release of their salaries. Government Employees Federation provincial president Haji Anwar Kamal led the agitation. The protesters were holding placards inscribed with their demands.

Speaking on the occasion, Haji Kamal, Hafiz Karimdad, Umar Hayat and Qasam Shah said that the municipal bodies mushroomed in the district during the last decade but government did not provide funds and resources to them.

“These bodies have no funds to pay salaries to their employees,” they said. They added that government handed over several municipal tasks to water supply and sanitation services companies but employees were protesting for release of their salaries.

Speakers said that employees were unable to pay school fee of their children and buy essential items.

REVENUE RECORD: Bannu Deputy Commissioner Islahuddin has asked the relevant officials to digitalise revenue record within a month.

He issued these directives during a meeting held at his office on Wednesday. Among others, the assistant commissioner, Syed Abrar Ali Shah, the deputy director of database, Arif Khan, additional assistant commissioners and revenue officials attended the meeting.

Mr Islahuddin said that instructions of provincial government regarding computerisation of land record would be implemented in letter and spirit. An official informed the meeting that of 241 revenue estates, the record of 149 was digitised.

The deputy commissioner said that administration formulated a comprehensive strategy to complete digitisation of land record. He asked the assistant commissioners and tehsildars to share progress with his administration in that regard on a daily basis. “Derelict officials will face stern disciplinary action,” he said.

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2023