MARDAN: Mayor Mardan Hamayatullah Mayar stated that Mardan, under the previous government, had the first Khyber Institute of Neuro Research (KINR), supported not only by funds allocated for the Mardan and surrounding districts but also designed as a significant project for the entire Pakistan. However, due to the recent decision of the caretaker government, Mardan in surrounding areas are being deprived of this excellent project.
Mayor Mardan expressed these views during a special meeting of the City Local Government for Mardan, attended by council members, leaders of various political parties, business union, representatives of student organizations, government officials, and journalists.
He highlighted that during the tenure of the Awami National Party’s government, 5,000 acres of land were purchased for various projects. These included 2000 acres for Abdul Wali Khan University, 2000 acres for Agricultural and Engineering University, and 1,000 acres for Bacha Khan Medical College. After the approval in cabinet meeting funds were being allocated Unfortunately, People of Mardan & surrounding districts are now being deprived of the benefits of these projects due to the decisions of the current government.
Mayor Mayar pointed out that the lands were acquired to be returned to the owners, a decision made during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s previous government. The caretaker government further execute this decision due to non availability of funds.
He further stated that despite the survey and project planning for a new advance cancer hospital in Mardan, the recent decisions of the provincial government are causing mardan to be deprived of a much-needed advance cancer hospital. Additionally, previous projects like the District Headquarters Hospital ( DHQ), Pakistan’s third-largest Benazir Bhutto Children Hospital, and other significant initiatives are also being neglected.
Mayor Mayar criticized the provincial government for allocating funds every year for the loss-making project BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) but not allocating 3.5 billion rupees for the owners of the land allocated for different projects to provide the bright future to the youth of Mardan and surrounding districs. He emphasized that this is injustice and unfair
He appealed to all political leaders, student union, lawyers’ associations, traders’ union, doctor association, and the people of Mardan to come together and raise their voices for the bright future & right of Mardan. He urged collective efforts not only through protests but also through legal means to fight for their rights.
City Mayor Mardan Hamayatullah Mayar concluded by stating that Mardan is the second-largest district in the province, contributing significantly to taxes on tobacco, marble, sugar, and other items. Despite this, mardan are facing injustice and oppression. The leaders and representatives at the meeting strongly condemned the decisions of the provincial government and pledged to fight collectively on all forums for the rights of mardan and the bright future of the youth.
Under the leadership of Mayor Mardan Hamayatullah Mayar, all political leaders, business community, students, and council members protested vigorously to the office of the Commissioner Mardan against the provincial government’s decision to reclaim the allocated land. They collectively presented a protest memorandum to the Commissioner Mardan.
