PESHAWAR, Sept 18: All Tribal Contractors Association (ATCA) has expressed anger over award of contracts to non-local contractors and alleged that Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has attempted to deprive tribal contractors of their rights.

Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar Press Club on Tuesday, the association’s president, Zahir Jan, said that the PEC had imposed a new condition of C-6 for registering contracts on June 30, 2012. He said that the step was aimed at paving way for non-local contractors to work in tribal region.

He said that contractors from tribal agencies wanted the government to immediately withdraw the new condition for registration of award of contracts. They warned that they would boycott the ongoing development schemes in Federally Administrated Tribal Areas, if their demand was not fulfilled.

Flanked by contractors from different tribal agencies, Mr Zahir said that over 2,500 registered contractors would be affected by the decision as 98 per cent were not fulfilling the new condition introduced by the PEC. He described the new procedure as conspiracy to sideline experienced tribal contractors.

“We reject the new condition of the PEC and we will not allow any non-local contractors to carry out work in tribal region,” Mr Zahir warned.

The ATCA president complained that the additional chief secretary, Fata, was not ready to discuss their problems despite several requests for a meeting. He alleged that around 60 per cent funds allocated to development of tribal areas were used on renovation of Fata Secretariat and housing scheme on Warsak Road.

Mr Zahir said that the provincial government had not yet issued notification of new rates despite release of new schedule of rates for 2012. He alleged that officials in Fata Secretariat were creating hurdles to resolution of their problems. He demanded increase in rates while keeping in view the cost factor in the tribal region.

The association’s president demanded of Governor Masood Kausar to accept their demands and protect the interests of Fata contractors. —Bureau Report