ISLAMABAD - Apparently perturbed over non-release of funds for the uplift of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa areas, a Senate body has sought urgent detailed report in this regard from the ministries of petroleum and finance.
Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum & Natural Resources, Tuesday, met with Senator Abdul Nabi Bangash in the chair to review the matter involving lack of release of funds for various gas supply schemes of Kohat district. These gas supply schemes of Tull and Hangu areas were announced by then prime minister in 2011.
The Senate body also decided to visit gas-producing sites of Hangu and Kohat and petroleum ministry along with officials of SNGPL would conduct important meetings with the DCO and other relevant people. The body, however, declared that it would ensure the release of funds for development schemes of Kohat district.
The Senate body postponed its meeting for a while in protest owing to absence of some top officials of few departments but commenced its meeting following the attendance of top babus. The body expressed its serious reservations over non-issuance of required funds for various development schemes and also grilled officials of finance division, planning division and also officials of other relevant departments.
While expressing its anger, the Senate body sought detailed report within 15 days from secretary petroleum, officials of PM Office and finance ministry. The committee set September 5 as deadline for submission of report.
Senator Abdul Nabi Bangash deplored over not issuing promised funds for gas supply schemes of those areas, which are producing oil and gas to meet country’s need. He said development projects are initiated to provide relief to the masses and their timely completion can reduce miseries of common public.
Criticising the delaying tactics of incumbent government towards releasing necessary funds for some gas supply schemes of Kohat district, Senator Abdul Nabi Bangash advised to avoid linking the development projects with any government as these were started to benefit the masses.