Punjab gives consent to allocate 3% NFC share for ex-Fata districts uplift

ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government has given its consent to contribute from the divisible pool of the National Finance Commission for the development of the ex-Federally-administered Tribal Areas (Fata) districts.

Provincial Finance Minister Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht said this in a meeting with Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin at the Finance Division.

The two leaders discussed various aspects of promoting progress and prosperity in the ex-Fata districts and allocation of 3 per cent provincial share to the divisible pool for carrying out development initiatives in the ex-Fata districts.

The finance minister said the Punjab government is ready to play its role and contribute in the development of ex-Fata districts with a clear perspective of actual amount of share for Punjab.

Tarin emphasised that a meeting of the sub-group of NFC may be convened to discuss and settle the issue of allocation of 3 per cent provincial share on a priority basis.

Later, the Punjab finance minister gave a detailed presentation on various reforms and initiatives being carried out in the province for the welfare of the people and good governance.

Bakht appreciated the federal government for providing all-out support and requested it to play its due role in resolving various financial issues being faced by the provincial government.

Tarin said that the federal government is determined to improve the living standards of the people and ready to provide necessary support and resources to the Punjab government, as the welfare and progress of the people is the top priority of the present government.

Punjab finance secretary and other senior officers participated in the meeting.