PESHAWAR: Minister for Agriculture Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Major (Retd) Muhammad Sajjad Barakwal reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to addressing the sense of deprivation in southern districts through comprehensive developmental measures. During his visit to the Karak Press Club, he pledged to resolve the district’s water crisis as a priority.
Barakwal announced plans for a feasibility study on constructing an uplift canal from the Indus River via Shakardara, aimed at revolutionizing agriculture in the area by providing canals from the Kurram Tangi Dam and other southern districts. This initiative is expected to bring about significant agricultural growth.
Highlighting upcoming projects, Barakwal mentioned the commencement of construction for a medical college and an institute of medical sciences in Karak, slated to begin this year. Additionally, obstacles to establishing the gypsum city have been cleared, with construction set to commence shortly.
Infrastructure improvements include the approval of a 32-kilometer Khwara Road to access mineral-rich Sheen Ghar mountains, enhancing local control over mineral resources. He also noted an increase in the royalty fund for Karak’s oil and gas from 10% to 15%, emphasizing that royalty revenues would be allocated to transformative projects benefiting the district.
Addressing concerns over governance and financial transparency, Barakwal announced an inquiry into the utilization of Rs 7 billion by SNGPL for a gas project funded from royalty money. He expressed reservations about additional demands from SNGPL amounting to Rs 14 billion for gas provision, highlighting its adverse impact on local infrastructure.
Furthermore, Barakwal criticized the decision granting MOL Company 10% control, alleging over-extraction of oil and gas beyond agreed limits. He advocated for independent assessments to monitor daily extraction rates accurately.
In efforts to boost agricultural productivity, plans include upgrading Ahmed Wala Agricultural Farm and establishing two research sub-farms in Ghundi Shehbaz Khan and Tehsil Banda, focusing on experimental saffron cultivation for potential profitability.
Overall, Minister Sajjad Barakwal’s initiatives aim to stimulate economic growth, ensure resource governance, and enhance quality of life across southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
