BANNU, Feb 21: NWFP Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani on Wednesday said that the MMA-led government had adopted a uniform development policy during its four-year rule, adding that their ideological stand on provincial rights would continue.

Speaking at a ceremony held on the occasion of natural gas supply here, Mr Durrani claimed that his government had launched several development projects in the province. He said that people of the province would reject those elements that were creating hurdles in the way of development.

The chief minister said that the NWFP government was striving hard to attract foreign investment in the province, adding that it would help establish more industrial units and develop the existing industrial sector so that economic health of the province could be improved and the menace of unemployment and backwardness could be controlled.

He said that prominent ulema were involved in the preparation of Nifazi Shariah Bill under which the provincial government within its limits of rule made legislation on the bill and passed the Hasba bill to implement Shariah in the province. However, he said hurdles were being created in its enactment.

Durrani said the MMA had become national as well as international force and after getting two-third majority in the assembly, it would implement Shariah in the whole country.

Referring to achievements of his government, Mr Durrani said that the launching of interest-free banking system, ban on vulgarity, police reforms, package for martyrs, rehabilitation of drug addicts, establishment of rehabilitation centres for beggars and homes for labourers and ailing people were all in accordance with the Islamic teachings.

Opinion

Respite needed

Respite needed

All one can fear is a familiar accounting exercise that aims to extract a few more rupees from a narrow, weary economic base.

Editorial

Soft on traders
08 Jun, 2026

Soft on traders

THE Fixed Tax Asaan Scheme for traders with an annual turnover of up to Rs200m has been designed as a ‘pragmatic...
Ceasefire in name
Updated 08 Jun, 2026

Ceasefire in name

Both sides accuse the other of violating the truce that was supposed to halt the conflict in April, yet neither appears willing to abandon negotiations altogether.
Damaged childhoods
08 Jun, 2026

Damaged childhoods

CHILD abuse is so prevalent that the UN ranked Pakistan as the least safe country for children. Even so, more than...
JAAC ban
Updated 07 Jun, 2026

JAAC ban

Though the JAAC’s demands are open to scrutiny, banning any political organisation — as long as it remains committed to peaceful activism — is undemocratic.
GB election
Updated 07 Jun, 2026

GB election

It is important that whichever party ultimately forms the government puts the needs of the people of GB above everything else.
ODI win
07 Jun, 2026

ODI win

AT last, the Pakistan cricket team had something to celebrate: a One-day International series victory against...