NWFP Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani has said that due to the strenuous efforts of the provincial government of Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA), the federal government has agreed to increase share of the provinces in NFC Award.
In an interview with Khyber Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) here on Tuesday, the chief minister said, "The previous governments had intentionally ignored the rights of the province and never raised voice on any forum. We after a long struggle compelled the Centre to increase the provinces share in NFC Award from 37.5 percent to 47 percent and efforts are underway to increase it up to 50 percent."
He said agriculture, health and education departments should also be devolved to the provinces. He said other provinces were arguing distribution of NFC Award on revenue generation, area, population and poverty basis, but the presence of more than 3.5 million Afghan refugees is also part of NWFP population.
Referring to the net hydel profit, the chief minister said that the Centre, for the first time, agreed to increase the province's share from Rs 6 billion to Rs 8 billion.
Arbitration committee has been formed to settle the issue with Wapda and this process would take nine months. He said that for share in net hydel profit the NWFP had formed a Jirga consisting of members of all political parties and very soon it would be succeeded in getting the share according to AGN Qazi formula.
To a question about expectations about NFC Award, the chief minister said that he has written a letter to the president for a meeting and hopefully the issue would be resolved amicably. He said he would also request the president to announce special grant for the NWFP. Referring to the promotion of tourism, the chief minister said that a comprehensive policy has been made for network of roads, which would not only promote tourism, but would also create job opportunities.
Similarly, establishment of tent village and reopening of Swat Airport have been planned. He said he has conveyed the message to the people of Swat valley not to discourage tourists.
The chief minister said that the MMA is committed to promote religious harmony in the country. He said that a Muslim even couldn't think of terrorism, as in our religion killing of an innocent man is tantamount to killing of entire humanity.
Durrani said that the present government has chalked out a comprehensive policy to exploit natural resources of the provinces. Facilities are being provided to local and foreign investors to invest their money in the province.
He said forests are our assets and steps have been taken for its protection. Forestation drives have been started in different areas, he added.
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