GUJAR KHAN, Feb 19: Pakistan Petroleum (PPL) and other companies drilling oil and gas from Gujar Khan and other regions of Potohar should provide facilities and compensation to landowners and inhabitants of surrounding villages.

They should also initiate development projects in the area to eliminate unemployment. This demand was made by PPP Secretary- General Raja Pervez Ashraf while talking to this correspondent.

Mr Ashraf said being a member of the parliament's standing committee on petroleum and natural resources, he had conveyed the grievances of the inhabitants of the area to the managing director of PPL.

He said he told the managing director that villages located in proximity of oilfields were without gas facility and the residents had no choice but to cut down trees for fuel. He said he urged him to ensure maximum jobs to the locals in oilfields and also pay compensation and rents to landowners.