MANSEHRA, Feb 4: Local workers of political parties have formed Battagram Qaumi Ittehad (BQI) to force the government to provide funds for the development of health, education and other sectors in the district.

“We have formed Battagram Qaumi Ittehad to mobilise the people for their rights from the government. Currently, the people are deprived of health care, education and other services. Corruption is rampant with the government funds being embezzled,” BQI chairman Tahmas Khan said at a public meeting in Phagora area on Monday.

Beside others, Akhtar Javed Khan, Sher Khan, Shad Mohammad Khan also spoke on the occasion.

Mr Khan said the rampant corruption and commission culture had led to denial of facilities to the people.

He said a big chunk of development funds was embezzled by a group supported by local lawmakers and as a result, the residents of the district lacked basic amenities.

The BQI chairman invited the people to be part of the Ittehad to fight for their rights and end corruption.

He said it was pity to say most of the areas in the district had been without electric supply.

“Most of the areas in the district are without power and the areas, where it is supplied, are subjected to the prolonged suspension of electric supply. This injustice with the people will not be tolerated at any cost,” he said.

Mr Khan said over the years, Battagram had been ruled by three to four families, which had deprived the locals of their basic rights.

Mr Khan said Ittehad would be organised in every village and union council in the district.

ACTION AGAINST PROFITEERS: Assistant commissioner, Mansehra Ali Shahzad on Monday warned traders and shopkeepers to follow the official price list and remove encroachments from bazaars otherwise they would be dealt with strictly.

“The district administration wants traders to strictly follow the official price list and remove encroachments from business centres and bazaars,” Mr Shahzad told traders during a meeting here.

Traders led by Traders Association president Haroonur Rasheed apprised the assistant commissioner of their problems.

Mr Rasheed said illegal parking lots and minibus terminals had cropped up all across the city creating hurdles to traffic and therefore, a crackdown should be launched on them.

“We will remove encroachments voluntarily and follow price list but at the same time, the administration should begin operation against illegal bus stands and parking spaces in the city,” he said.

The AC assured traders of early crackdown on illegal minibus terminals and parking lots.

He said work on the Central Bridge in the city was in full swing and would be completed on time easing traffic chaos on the roads.