KARAK: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf MNA Shahid Khattak has claimed that Rs1.5 billion would be spent on construction of Chashma Akorkhel dam in Banda Daud Shah, and Rs450 million on BandaGurguri Road.

He disclosed this while addressing a ceremony at Jatta Ismailkhel here on Saturday.

Malik Mohammad Farooq, vice-president of Khattak Ittehad, a local rights body, joined the PTI on the occasion.

Mr Khattak claimed that the dam would bring prosperity and green revolution to the area by irrigating large swathes of barren land.

He claimed that the PTI government had focused on construction of small dams in the district to resolve the issue of shortage of water and also to protect the underground reserves from depleting.

The lawmaker said the government was going to launch mega projects in the district.

He criticised the Loya Jirga, comprising the opposition lawmakers from across the Kohat division, for planning to hold a demonstration on Jan 6 next year to demand development projects, and claimed that the provincial government had already launched work on the projects the lawmakers were demanding.

The MNA said that royalty funds were spent on petty works in the past, but now the money would be utilised on welf are of people in real sense.

Shahid Khattak said Rs450 million had been approved for construction of Banda-Gurguri Road and work on the project would be launched soon.

He said more funds would be released for other important projects to be launched in Karak in near future.

Presenting himself for accountability, he claimed that some elements were busyin his character assassination.

He vowed to continue serving people with zeal and fulfilling each pledge he made during the election campaign.

Meanwhile, the deputy commissioner imposed section 144, banning display of weapons and firing in the air in the district.

Violators of the ban would be dealt with under thelaw.