MANSEHRA, May 13: Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti said on Sunday that his government had initiated work on 24 small hydropower projects to overcome energy crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and generate its own financial resources to put the province on path of real prosperity and development.

“These hydropower projects would produce 2,000 MW of electricity, which would not only overcome the current energy crisis in the country, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but would also produce surplus electricity for earning revenue for development purposes in the province,” said Mr Hoti while speaking at a public gathering in Banna Allai tehsil of Battagram.

Provincial ministers Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Bashir Bilour, Wajid Ali Khan and Qazi Assad were also present on the occasion besides ANP provincial president Afrasiab Khattak.

Mr Hoti said that the provincial government was waging war against militancy and time was not far away when the people would realise its sincere efforts for peace.

“The ANP has lost 450 workers and leaders while waging war against terrorism and would continue our efforts until last terrorist is there to challenge the government writ,” the chief minister said. He said that the ANP would win the upcoming general election on the basis of its performance.

The chief minister announced Rs460 million development package for Battagram district, saying a degree college would also be built in the district. Nawabzada Akbar, brother of PLM-Q MNA Prince Nawaz Khan and his nephew Zubair Khan also joined the ANP on the occasion.

APP ADDS: Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain said that no new taxes would be imposed in the upcoming budget, while efforts would be made to broaden the tax net.

He said that taxes paid by people in developed countries were being spent on their welfare, but unfortunately in Pakistan the rich people had been hesitating to pay taxes.

Mr Hussain said that subsidy provided on purchase of seeds in agriculture sector would be maintained and more facilities would be provided to farmers in the budget. He claimed that the next budget would provide maximum relief to people.

He said that record development projects had been initiated and completed by the ANP government, which had improved the lifestyle of masses. He said that Rs74 billion was allocated to development schemes in current fiscal. He said that Rs64 billion would be allocated to education sector alone in the coming budget.