PESHAWAR, Sept 4: The NWFP cabinet on Wednesday approved an amendment to the NWFP Local Government Ordinance 2001, to redress the citizens’ complaints against holders of public offices at the district level.

The  provincial cabinet meeting, presided over by Governor Syed   Iftikhar Hussain Shah, approved appointment of Zila Mohtasibs, initially  in  Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan, Swat and Abbottabad.

According to an official statement, Zila Mohtasib will  be appointed by a selection committee, comprising a high court judge, a member of the Public Service Commission and any other person appointed by the government.

The Zila Mohtasib will redress citizens’complaints against public office holders

in the local government, including all functionaries of the district government, Tehsil, municipal and union administration, Naib Nazimeen, district police as well as members of the councils.

Later, the cabinet discussed proposals regarding  rationalisation of tax environment in the province. 

It also stressed   upon the need for complying with the prescribed criteria and procedure, avoiding confusion  and violation of the law. The meeting was informed that necessary directives had been issued to the concerned quarters in this regard.

The meeting was briefed about the disposal of plant and machinery of the defunct C&W Department. It decided to set up a corporate body, making use of trained manpower, available plant and machinery. It was also decided that the status of the body would later be changed to a private limited company.

The cabinet also discussed the deliberations of the NFC meeting on the provincial hydel profits.

CONDOLENCE: The meeting also expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of Dr Mohammad Yaqoob, District Nazim of Lower Dir and offered Fateha for the departed soul.