K-P unveils Rs1tr package for merged districts

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday announced a massive Rs1 trillion development package for the merged districts of the K-P, with Rs400 billion earmarked for health and education. Speaking at the Bajaur Sports Complex after meeting leaders of the Qaumi Aman Jirga, Afridi said the development plan would cover key sectors aimed at improving living standards in the districts. The chief minister said the PTI's provincial government is committed to ensuring that resources are spent on the welfare of the people. He also announced several projects specifically for Bajaur, including the establishment of a university campus, linking the district with the Dir and Swat motorways, and revival of the Bajaur Nursing College, which has remained closed since 2007. He assured participants that all demands presented in the jirga's charter would be accepted and that no negligence would be tolerated in executing development schemes. "Public tax money will be spent on the public," he said, pledging transparency and timely delivery. Addressing the gathering, which was attended by tribal elders, political and religious leaders, and a large number of people, Afridi expressed gratitude for their efforts in maintaining peace in former tribal areas. He said the wisdom shown by tribal elders in handling difficult situations was commendable and emphasised that peace remains the foremost priority, without which development and prosperity are not possible. The chief minister said the provincial government is striving for sustainable peace and that achieving this goal requires taking all stakeholders on board. He referred to a unanimous declaration adopted on the floor of the provincial assembly by leaders from all political parties, which stated that military operations are not a solution to prevailing issues.