High Court Ordered the Government to Release Funds for Mardan Gas Project

Justice Abdul Shakoor and Waqar Ahmed Seth, the Chief Justice has issued the orders in this stance and disposed of a petition. Jamshed Khan Mohmand, Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) has challenged the orders made by the court to suspend the work on the gas supply project as it was launched for the period of previous government tenure.

Last month, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) announced that has approved a sum of PKR 9.5 billion that will be used for the reconstruction and the expansion of 42-kilometer Swabi-Mardan Road. Through this project, the concerns of traffic overflow could be resolved.

Peshawar High Court has observed during the hearing that by releasing the funds can help in addressing the sense of discrimination predominant among the residents of the constituency.

In response to the petition, the government has maintained its stance and has transferred a sum of PKR 142.882 million to the SNGPL’s assignment account that would cater to the gas project. Out of this figure, a total sum of PKR 115.28 million has already been spent on the development of 76-kilometer gas pipeline network. The remaining funds have been lapsed due to the remaining unutilized as that of June 30, 2018.

In this stance, PHC has ordered for the fund's disbursement again and complete the work as soon as possible to provide relief to the general public.