Best practice: ‘Tobacco cess important income source’

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister (CM) Pervez Khattak said tobacco cess is one of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s most important income resources and its judicious and transparent use on the welfare of the public is necessary. He directed authorities, while chairing a meeting, to ensure maximum expenditure on matters of public interest, with priority given to improving the conditions of health, educational institutions and communication facilities. The CM said providing basic amenities to people was amongst the top priorities of the government, wherein all available resources would be utilised to that end. Plugging corruption loopholes and maintaining financial discipline is also among the top priorities, Khattak added. The meeting was told income incurred from tobacco development cess for the year was Rs312 million. The CM asked the authorities to ensure every district receives its due share and justice was done to all areas in terms of development.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th, 2013.