In Karak: Hangu nazim rejects construction of oil refinery

Said their priority was to provide gas in every households

HANGU: The announcement of construction of an oil refinery in Karak by the chief minister has been rejected by Hangu district nazim Mufti Ubaidullah.

At a press conference held at his office on Monday Ubaiullah said Hangu Ittehad Committee was not consulted at the time of the decision. He added Kohat and Hangu — situated close to each other — have remained backward due to the chief minister’s negligence. He maintained he should be consulted before any decisions are finalised regarding appointment of the employees and location of the refinery.

He also asked the government to spend gas royalty funds on the relevant projects rather than granting them to MPAs and MNAs. “Government made several promises but could not provide gas to the people in Hangu who live within five kilometers of the area from where gas was initially discovered,” the district nazim added. He said a survey was conducted in Kotki, Kahi and Muhammad Khwaja union councils but no work had started yet.

“Our first priority is to maintain peace in the region and second is to provide gas in every household,” he added. He said the polio teams do not cooperate with the district government before launching any campaign. He added cooperation is needed to reduce hurdles at every point.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 26^th, 2016.