APP
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced a Rs160 billion package for the province during the National Apex Committee meeting and directed the relevant authorities to take immediate measures to address the province’s key issues.
Addressing a press conference at the Governor House, the Governor said the federal government was committed to transforming Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into a peaceful, developed and economically strong province through improved governance, enhanced security and timely resolution of public issues. Advisor to the Governor on Information Samar Haroon Bilour and Advisor for the Merged Districts Mahmood Jan Babar were also present.
The Governor said the Apex Committee meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister, received detailed briefings on security and development matters, while the Additional Chief Secretary for the merged districts presented a comprehensive development plan. He said the prime minister immediately accepted the proposals presented for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and issued necessary directives to the relevant departments.
Kundi said the prime minister had directed the Secretary Food to convene an early meeting to resolve gas and wheat-related issues, adding that an inquiry had already been launched into the supply of substandard wheat from the Azakhel wheat warehouse. He reiterated the government’s policy of zero tolerance against corruption, warning that officials failing to perform their duties would be removed from their positions.
The Governor said restoring law and order and eliminating terrorism remained the government’s top priorities, adding that sustainable peace would encourage domestic and foreign investment, generate employment opportunities and strengthen the provincial economy. He said development initiatives would also be pursued under public-private partnership arrangements.
He said the province’s constitutional rights would be pursued through dialogue and constitutional means, adding that he had also held consultations with leaders of various political parties to build consensus on safeguarding the province’s interests. Highlighting police welfare, Kundi said the package for the families of police martyrs had been enhanced and salaries of police personnel were also being increased. He said the police would be provided with all required resources to effectively combat terrorism.
The Governor said an indiscriminate anti-encroachment campaign had been launched across the province to reclaim state land and resolve public issues in accordance with the law.
Referring to water resources, he said the federal government had acknowledged Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s concerns regarding its share under the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord, adding that tenders for Package-I and Package-IV of the Chashma Lift Canal project would be issued next month, describing the project as vital for the province’s agriculture and overall development.
Kundi reaffirmed his commitment to securing the province’s rights, strengthening peace, promoting investment and ensuring sustainable development through coordinated efforts of all relevant institutions.