RAWALPINDI, April 9: Federal Minister for Information Sheikh Rashid Ahmad on Saturday objected to bureaucratic process in Rawalpindi Cantonment Board in approval of uplift schemes, saying that it causes hindrances to development works.

The minister was speaking as chief guest at the spring flower show of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB).

He said the process of development in cantonment area was very slow.

Mr Ahmad specifically mentioned the lease and property tax issues, and said people had to face several problems as a result of complications in the cantonment’s taxation and leasing systems. He said he had also brought the issue to the notice of President Gen Pervez Musharraf.

On the occasion, he appreciated the RCB for organizing the flower show.

He said countries like India and Holland had carried out research on flowers and now earning foreign exchange through their export.

The minister asked the RCB officials to promote setting up of private nurseries within cantonment limits. He also stressed proper planning for plantation of different species of trees and plants.

Sheikh Rashid said due to improper planning, mulberry trees were planted in Islamabad which had been creating problems like pollen allergy.

He also mentioned some of the big projects which the government wanted to launch in Rawalpindi. These include establishment of the National College of Arts in a 90-room building behind Liaquat Bagh. The college will be inaugurated by the president, he added.