Tribal districts budget raised to Rs54b

Prime Minister Imran Khan pulls off cameo in Peshawar

PESHAWAR:

Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived in Peshawar on Monday for a brief one-day visit.

Upon arrival, the premier was received by Khyber-Pakthunkhwa Governor Shah Farman, Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and others.

PM Imran held hold important meetings with the governor and CM to review progress on various development projects. He also presided over different meetings apart from interacting with K-P Assembly MPAs.

Addressing the participants of the meeting, the prime minister highlighted how the PTI-led government has launched historic development projects in the province.

He termed the development of tribal districts as one of the top priorities of the government.

“The government has increased the annual development budget of the merged districts from Rs24 billion in 2018 to Rs54 billion this year,” PM Imran said.

Commenting on the rising inflation, the premier said rising global commodity prices have pushed up prices. “The government is taking steps to prevent the effects of inflation. “

Speaking about tourism facilities being provided throughout the country, the PM said the government has identified more tourist destinations K-P and plans for the development of these destinations will be launched soon.

The prime minister also shed light on health cards, concessions to deserving families on rations, and improvement in educational facilities. He termed them as milestones in fulfilling the government's promise to establish a welfare state.

Further on in the meeting, PM Imran gave a detailed briefing on the government's public welfare schemes and ongoing development projects in the province.

The participants apprised the prime minister of the problems in their respective constituencies while party matters were also part of the discussion.

Sources familiar with the matter said the government is going to launch a historic project to end load shedding in K-P. The Rs20billion project will bring innovation and improvement in the power transmission system.

Government officials informed the premier that a strategy for affordable power projects and off-grid supply at low rates has been finalized at the provincial level.

Small hydropower projects are also being started in remote areas. These projects will enable cheaper power supply even in remote areas where there is no transmission line.

Participants of the meeting were informed that the Chashma Right Bank Canal project has also entered the final stages. With the completion of the project, millions of acres of agricultural land will be made cultivable.

Rishkai Industrial Zone has also become fully operational and the government is developing a comprehensive strategy to ensure investment in six major industrial sectors, relevant officials informed the meeting.

Special technology zones are being set up in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to provide employment to the youth in the IT sector and increase the country's IT exports.

Distribution of Ehsaas Ration Discount Programme to deserving families has also started in K-P. Under the ration programme, eligible families of the province will be given a discount of up to Rs1,000 per month on essential food supplies.

The meeting was also briefed in detail about the projects initiated for the improvement of infrastructure in K-P and the progress on construction of major highways and link roads.

Towards the end of briefing, PM Imran directed to ensure timely completion of ongoing development projects and to complete public welfare projects on a priority basis.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2022.