Zehri: Leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam have raised serious concerns regarding development projects in Zehri, labeling them incomplete and avenues for corruption. Addressing a press conference alongside other members of the party, including Maulana Abdul Ghani, Maulana Abdullah, Molvi Amanullah Abdul Hamid, JTI leadership, and others, Provincial Deputy General Secretary, Wadera Ghulam Sarwar Zehri stated, “As you are aware, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam is currently Pakistan’s largest religious-political party, and we have always adhered to principled politics.”
He further highlighted that despite being in opposition since 1988 in Zehri (excluding the interim two years), the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam has consistently played a leading role in addressing regional issues and insecurity. “Particularly, we are deeply concerned about developmental works where it appears that under the guise of progress, some are merely increasing their bank balances,” he noted, stressing their duty to expose such instances to the public without hesitation or fear of repercussions for the government.
“Billions of rupees from public taxes have been siphoned off under the pretext of Zehri’s development, yet what we see is a landscape marred by corruption rather than shining examples of true progress and beauty,” he lamented. “Everywhere we look, there are piles of rubble masquerading as hospitals, dams, schools, and BHUs. On one side, we witness the reckless waste of public funds; on the other, all mega-projects are becoming burdens for the public,” he added.
Zehri emphasized that the most pressing and critical issue currently facing Zehri is its security and peace. “Every day, we witness increasing incidents of murder, robbery, drug trafficking, and other social evils,” he stated, criticizing the administration for its reluctance to take action against such crimes. “Despite being divided into three divisions, Assistant Commissioners have been subject to neglect due to the lack of interest from responsible officials,” he highlighted.
“In such circumstances, the public has been left to the mercy of indifferent caretakers. Illegality has peaked, and no one can deny the importance of education for the development of any nation or society,” he stressed. “Yet, most educational institutions in Zehri have fallen into disrepute. Schools and colleges have become a haven for teaching and non-teaching staff to mark their attendance,” he pointed out.
“Moving forward, we demand a thorough assessment of developmental works in Zehri. The Sohanda Dam, hospitals, Water Supply schemes, Roads, Buildings in the BHU Department, Girls College, Technical Center, Officers Club, and sports fields, all have incomplete construction,” he asserted. “First and foremost, the Irrigation Department’s 100 dams project remains incomplete despite seven years having passed. At present, Zehri faces a severe water shortage and crucial dams require immediate construction,” he said. “The Sohanda Dam project has also stalled for the past year, and representatives and senior officials of the department do not consider themselves accountable for this,” he highlighted.
“Furthermore, the fate of the independent institution Shaheed Sikander Memorial Hospital has been languishing for an extended period, now at the verge of completion. On one hand, the building’s construction remains incomplete; on the other, funds are being allocated under the guise of maintenance,” he added.
He stressed, “Our press conference aims to expose the deceptive roles of all stakeholders who claim progress, but in reality, misuse the public’s taxes to fill their pockets. We will fully protest against this, and ensure that public funds are used for the public’s benefit. We will announce our next action plan soon.”
