PHC bans releasing of development funds to MPAs

A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Ijaz Afzal and Justice Mazhar Alam Mian Khail issued prohibitory injunction on a writ petition moved by MPA Malik Muhammad Qasim of Kurak and Naseer Muhammad Khan of Laki Marwat.Malik Muhammad Ajmal on behalf of MPAs said before the High Court that that amount of royalty allocated by the federal government to the provincial government should be raised from 5% to 30% while local people should be given priority in jobs in the areas which are going to be unearthed for natural sources.In this regard, MOU has been signed. However, it is not going to be implemented accordingly. The royalty of 5% allocated by the federal government for the provinces is going to be delivered to MPAs as development fund which is unjust to the related districts.Deputy Advocate General Naveed Akhter appeared before the court on the behalf of the provincial government but could not submit sufficient record in this regard.At this, the court issued temporary injunction and imposed ban on funds and umbrella schemes allocated for provincial government. Next hearing of the case would be made on October 11.