Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Friday witnessed pandemonium as treasury benches failed to satisfy opposition over the statistics of saplings planted in different parts of the province under Billion Tree Tsunami Project (BTTP). The ruckus started during the question-hour when Sobia Shahid of PML-N questioned the number of trees planted in different districts of the province.
She inquired about the number of trees planted in Kohat, Hazara, Malakand, D I Khan and Mardan regions. She said that there is ambiguity in the number of trees planted and shown in the agenda by the government. Responding to the question Minister for Higher Education Mushtaq Ghani said that their achievements in Billion Tree Tsunami Campaign were acknowledged and verified by World Wildlife Foundation (WWF). He said that statistics of trees planted during tsunami drive can also be verified from the website of the environment department. Dr Haider Ali, parliamentary leader for Anti-Corruption Establishment also took the floor to pacify the opposition and said that Billion Tree Tsunami Campaign has drawn worldwide acclamation and added that if the opposition has any proof of corruption in the project, then they can refer it to anti-corruption for investigation.
However, Sobia Shahid declined to accept the explanation of Mushtaq Ghani, and said that claims of government regarding Tsunami campaign and the number shown by the government are incorrect and incompatible. During the discussion, Mufti Janan of JU-I also cast doubt on the number of trees planted in Hangu. He also showed concerns over the data of tress shown by the government.
Taking part in the discussion, Jaffar Shah of ANP rejected the claim of government that 5.8 million saplings were planted in Kalam. He challenged that not even 58 trees are planted in Kalam. Parliamentary Leader of PML-N, Sardar Aurangzeb Nalotha said that absence of concerned minister is a proof that treasury benches are trying to avoid answering the question of Sobia Shahid.
Meanwhile opposition benches started chanting anti-govt slogans that started ruckus in assembly. The assembly was adjourned by Deputy Speaker, Mehr Taj Roghani till Monday when Zarin Zia of PTI pointed the lack of quorum.
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