K-P grant shortfall sparks LG fury
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Employees Federation has expressed strong concern over the provincial government's inadequate release of grants for the payment of salaries and pensions to employees and pensioners of financially weak local government institutions.
In an official statement, provincial leaders of the federation said that despite the relentless efforts of the organization, the Finance Department recently issued directives to release grants amounting to Rs360.400 million and Rs150 million for settled areas, and Rs71 million for merged areas.
However, these grants fall significantly short of meeting the actual financial needs of the respective Tehsil Municipal Administrations (TMAs).
The federation criticized the provincial authorities for not considering ground realities before releasing the grants. They emphasized that such insufficient allocations are a recurring issue.
Often, the approved amounts do not reflect the genuine demands submitted by TMAs, and in some cases, grants are denied altogether to the most financially vulnerable councils.
As a result, many local government employees and pensioners were unable to receive their dues in time for Eidul Fitr and now face similar hardships ahead of Eidul Azha.
The delay in grant approval further complicates the situation, as the funds do not reach the local bodies in time, leaving employees and pensioners without the means to perform religious obligations, including Qurbani (sacrifice).
Leaders of the Local Government Employees Federation, including Patron-in-Chief Shaukat Kayani, Chairman Mehboobullah, President Haji Anwar Kamal Khan Marwat, and General Secretary Sulaiman Khan Hoti, strongly urged the provincial government to ensure that grant approvals are based on actual financial needs rather than favoritism or outdated formulas.
They called for the timely and fair disbursement of grants.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
12 hours ago
- Express Tribune
PM Shehbaz extends Eid greetings in calls with leaders of various countries
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held telephone conversations with key Muslim world leaders on the occasion of Eidul Azha, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to regional peace, unity within the Muslim Ummah, and enhanced bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif {@CMShehbaz } had a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim {@anwaribrahim }, and the two leaders exchanged greetings on the auspicious occasion of Eid ul #Adha. The Prime Minister conveyed his… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 In a call with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday, both leaders exchanged Eid greetings and underscored the importance of deepening bilateral ties in trade, investment, and cultural exchange. PM Shehbaz expressed appreciation for Malaysia's 'balanced stance' during the recent Pakistan-India crisis. 'Pakistan had no option but to respond swiftly and decisively to India's aggression,' PM Shehbaz said, while adding that Islamabad accepted a US-brokered ceasefire understanding in the interest of regional peace. He reiterated Pakistan's readiness to engage in dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, including India Illegal Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif {@CMShehbaz } had a telephone conversation with H.E. Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan, and congratulated the President and the brotherly people of 🇹🇯 on the blessed occasion of Eid ul #Adha. The Prime Minister thanked President… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 In a separate call, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon also received Eid greetings from Prime Minister Sharif, who thanked Tajikistan for advocating peace during heightened tensions between Pakistan and India. President Rahmon lauded Islamabad's efforts for regional stability. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif {@CMShehbaz } had a telephone conversation with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani {@TamimBinHamad }, Amir of the State of 🇶🇦 Qatar, and extended warm greetings to the Amir and the brotherly people of Qatar on the blessed occasion… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 Premier Shehbaz also spoke with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Shehbaz thanked Doha for its 'constructive role' in helping de-escalate the recent crisis between Pakistan and India. Both leaders reaffirmed their intention to strengthen economic cooperation. 'The two countries will continue to explore avenues for mutually beneficial trade and investment,' a government statement said. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had a telephone conversation with H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and extended warm greetings to the President, his family, and the brotherly people of 🇦🇿 on the blessed occasion of Eid ul #Adha. The Prime… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 Prime Minister Sharif further connected with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, offering Eid greetings and thanking him for the hospitality shown during his recent visit to Lachin for Azerbaijan's Independence Day and the trilateral summit with Turkey. The leaders reaffirmed strong bilateral ties and expressed eagerness to deepen cooperation in upcoming engagements, including the ECO Summit in Azerbaijan and President Aliyev's scheduled visit to Islamabad later this year. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif exchanged Eidul Azha greetings with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince of Kuwait. During the conversation, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for Kuwait's balanced and constructive stance in support of peace and dialogue amid the recent tensions between Pakistan and India. He reaffirmed Pakistan's consistent desire for regional peace and stability. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif exchanged Eid ul Adha greetings with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, today. The Prime Minister thanked His Highness the Crown Prince for Kuwait's strong and balanced… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 Shehbaz Sharif also underscored the importance of further strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and economic development. The Crown Prince, in response, acknowledged the valuable role played by the Pakistani community in Kuwait and expressed his commitment to deepening ties between the two countries. In a series of recent telephone calls with world leaders aimed at bolstering diplomatic ties, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif continued efforts to strengthen Pakistan's foreign relations. Read More: Islamabad, Riyadh to further elevate strategic ties This follows his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Both leaders agreed to further elevate the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia "in accordance with the shared vision of the leadership and aspirations of the brotherly people of the two countries." The leaders also reaffirmed their mutual commitment to deepening the multifaceted relationship between the two nations. Read More: Pakistan, Turkiye and Azerbaijan reaffirm unity at trilateral summit Last week, Prime Minister Sharif concluded a diplomatic tour of four countries to reinforce regional partnerships amid heightened tensions with India. The tour provided Pakistan an opportunity to personally express gratitude to these nations for their support during the recent escalation. The trip focused on reinforcing bilateral ties and promoting peace, with the Prime Minister thanking key allies for their constructive role in de-escalating tensions with India.
Express Tribune
15 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Field Marshal Asim Munir visits LoC on Eidul Azha
Listen to article Field Marshal General Asim Munir visited forward positions along the Line of Control (LoC) on Saturday to celebrate Eidul Azha with troops. The visit began with Eid prayers, where special supplications were offered for national peace, stability, and prosperity, as well as in honour of martyrs who gave their lives for Pakistan's defence. Extending Eid greetings to officers and soldiers, the Army Chief praised their professional excellence, unwavering dedication, and resilience in the face of continued challenges. He said celebrating Eid on the frontline, away from loved ones, reflected their profound commitment to national service. Gen Munir commended the formation's role in recent operations, notably Marqa-e-Haq and Operation Bunyaanum Marsoos, and paid tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis. 'You have befittingly avenged the loss of innocent lives, including women and children, through your bold and effective response,' he remarked. During his interaction, the cheif of army staff (COAS) acknowledged the troops' high morale, operational preparedness, and vigilance in countering Indian ceasefire violations. He reiterated full confidence in the military's capability to deter and defeat any aggression. Addressing the broader regional context, Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan's principled stance on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), vowing continued support for the Kashmiri people's 'just and valiant' struggle. He stressed the need for resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and UN Security Council resolutions. The COAS was received at the LoC by the Commander of Rawalpindi Corps upon arrival.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Seasonal butchers on streets with knives, cleavers
Citizens across the city are finding it difficult to get professional butchers to perform the Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Professional butchers have increased their rates by 30 to 50 per cent this year. Babu Qureshi, a professional butcher from Liaquatabad, explained that the rates for slaughtering animals vary depending on the area and the weight or size of the animal. He noted that professional butchers typically stop taking bookings three days before Eidul Azha. This year, the minimum charge for slaughtering a large, lighter-weight animal on the first day of Eid ranges from Rs20,000 to Rs30,000 and above. On the second day, the rate drops to around Rs18,000, and on the third day, it decreases further to approximately Rs15,000. Rates for heavier animals with excess weight are negotiated before the slaughtering. Professional butchers have taken bookings for multiple animals at the neighbourhood level instead of single animals. Last year, professional butchers charged Rs15,000 to Rs25,000 or more for slaughtering a large animal. This year, the rates for goats and sheep range from Rs8,000 to Rs15,000. On the second and third days, the rates for small animals decrease by 30 to 50 per cent. Qureshi added that professional butchers have prioritised bookings in upscale neighbourhoods where compensation is generally higher. In contrast, many middle- and lower-income areas are turning to seasonal butchers due to the limited availability of skilled professionals. Seasonal butchers-who work on a daily wage basis and take up butchery only during Eid-have stepped in to fill the gap. They offer their services at 30 to 50 per cent lower rates than the professional butchers. These seasonal butchers often work in groups and are more in demand in middle-class areas, where they get better wages. Rush for sharpening People are seen purchasing new tools and getting the old ones sharpened for the preparation of meat after the slaughter. As a result, shops sharpening knives and cleavers are overloaded with huge footfall of citizens. At Al-Karam Square, Mohsin Ali, the owner of a shop that sells and sharpens such tools, said that a wide variety of knives, cleavers (Bugdah) and skewers are in great demand. The prices of new tools for household use have increased by Rs100 to Rs400. Different types of knives are sold for Rs400 to Rs2,500 or more, while the price of a Bugdah ranges from Rs800 to Rs3,000. Most people opt to sharpen their old tools, with sharpening services costing Rs150 to Rs200 per tool. Some individuals purchase tools worth up to Rs3,000 for preparing sacrificial meat. Slaughtering accessories fly off shelves Exponential quantities of date palm mats and baskets were sold for Eidul Azha sacrifice purposes, with vendors reporting brisk sales in the days leading up to the festival. Amir Uddin, a vendor selling mats, baskets, and wooden chopping blocks at Gharibabad, explained that date palm mats are typically used to spread sacrificial meat, while baskets are used for distributing it. This year, on Eid, mats of different sizes were sold for Rs500 to Rs1,000, and baskets were sold for Rs200 to Rs400. Meanwhile, chopping blocks were sold at Rs100 per kilogram, with the smallest ones selling for Rs500 to Rs800. These items are made of wood and are essential for meat distribution and storage. People who perform the Sunnah of sacrifice purchase these items to facilitate the distribution of meat among family, friends, and the needy. Temporary stalls were set up across various city areas to sell these products, providing temporary employment and additional income for many people, including street vendors and artisans who craft these traditional items.
