Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Agriculture Major (R) Muhammad Sajjad Barakwal has said that the upcoming budget will be people-friendly. Priority will be given to Agriculture, Sports among other sectors. The previous budget was not upto the public expectations due to lack of time and financial constraints. Funds were not available for paying salaries of government employees however currently 169 billion funds are available without any new tax out of which 3 months of salaries can be paid. The minister said that public will get relief in this budget. All arrears will be paid before June 30. He expressed these views while addressing a press conference at the Karak Press Club. Sajjad Barakwal said that no project of former members from his constituency will be dropped and people should not be worried about this. Funds for incomplete projects will also be released. News Desk
He said that the Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has been pleased to order the release of arrears to Kohat division. He further said that prejudice and differences need to be set aside to resolve the regional as well as public problems. In view of the current situation in the country, all the leadership should play a positive role.
The Minister added that demands and reservations of the people of Takht Nusrati Headquarters will be addressed. He asserted, the oil and gas royalty has been increased from 10 to 15% and its implementation will start soon.
The Agriculture Minister said that SNGPL and the government are laying gas lines across the country from their own funds, while Rs.9 billion have been spent from the royalty fund for gas lines in Karak and Kohat. Despite spending Rs.9 billion, people in Karak are still protesting for gas.
Relevant authorities will have to answer for Rs.9 billion misuse as well as for the damages caused to streets and roads.
