PESHAWAR, Oct 21: Nazim District Lower Dir Dr Mohammad Yaqub on Saturday said in categorical terms that misuse or embezzlement of the national exchequer would not be tolerated and funds reserved for development projects would be distributed equally among all the union councils of the district.

He delivered the warning while addressing the monthly session of district assembly, presided over by Deputy Nazim, Haji Mohammad Rasool Khan.

Dr Yaqoob informed the house that the district government would soon prepare a three-year master plan after the execution of which Lower Dir will become an exemplary and developed district.

He said, the past record of this district was very tainted as the government officials and elected representatives looted with both hands the funds reserved for carrying out development activities here.

“However, this practice will not remain in vogue any more, because the district government has vowed to stamp out social evils like corruption, lethargy, mal-administration etc,” he declared.

Adding that if the opposition continued its cooperation, the working of government offices would be streamlined within a period of one year.

Dr Yaqub disclosed that he has ordered initiation of an investigation in government offices to find out corruption and to recover the looted money from the plunderers.

He said, resources of this district were very meagre and added that “we are trying to generate funds from other sources to spent them on the construction and development of this area.”

Referring to his recent meeting with NWFP Governor Lt. General, Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah, Dr Yaqub said, the governor had assured him of full cooperation in redressal of the problems of this district.

He also informed the house that district government has decided to establish a power house at River Panjkora to end load- shedding and provision of electricity at cheaper rates.

Expressing satisfaction over law and order situation of the district, Nazim-i-Aala said that no one will be allowed to vitiate peaceful atmosphere.

He asked the opposition members to explicitly express their objection over the programmes being carried out by the district government. “I am also a human being and can commit mistakes which must be pointed out,” he remarked.

He said positive criticism would receive proper attention, whereas, criticism for the sake of criticism would only amount to wastage of time of this august house.

Referring to the objections raised over transfers in education department, Dr Yaqoob said, transferring a government official was not a punishment and were undertaken for improvement in the working of the department concerned.

The assembly also held discussion on price hike and gave approval to the restoration of Price Review Committee.—APP