K-P boosts budget for tribal districts
The Ministry of Finance’s budget has been reduced from Rs123 billion to Rs41 billion, a reduction of Rs82 billion or two-thirds of the original allocation for the outgoing year. Photo: file
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has said his government is sincerely working for the uplift of the newly merged tribal districts and developmental budget for ex-Fata has been increased from Rs24 billion to Rs64 billion.
He added that people of Malakand region have rendered great sacrifices for peace and democracy and they would participate with full strength in the upcoming true independence march.
The chief minister announced that he will himself lead the independence march from Malakand which is aimed at achieving the true purpose for which Pakistan was established in 1947.
During his day-long visit to tribal district Bajaur and sub-division Timergara in Lower Dir, the chief minister addressed independence march rallies and inaugurated 18 development projects in Bajaur and eight in Timergara.
While addressing media persons in Bajaur, the chief minister maintained that the ‘imported federal government’ has withheld the budgeted share of K-P province, including the developmental funds of the newly merged tribal districts.
He made it clear that the provincial government has taken up the matter with the federal government through every official means, but to no avail.
During the tenure of PTI chairman Imran Khan, all the projects were running smoothly and a new era of development was ushered in the tribal districts to bring them on a par with the mainstream areas of the province.
However, the new federal government has halted the release of developmental funds of the province, which is fueling apprehensions of continued exploitation in these areas.
The chief minister maintained that his government regularized the khasadar force and project employees of the tribal districts and is currently funding the Sehat Insaf project in the merged tribal districts from its own kitty.
During his visit to Bajaur, the chief minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 18 different developmental projects.
He performed the groundbreaking ceremony of 52.5 km approach roads at six different spots, inaugurated the establishment of 12 primary schools, and the up-gradation of six primary, 17 middle and 17 high schools in the district.
He said that the provincial government is sincerely working for improvement of communication links and providing widespread and uniform education opportunities in the merged tribal districts, adding that the foundation stone for the establishment of Bajaur University will also be laid soon.
On the occasion, the chief minister also inaugurated the newly established hockey turf, football ground and hostel in the sports complex at Khar.
He observed that provision of a healthy environment for the younger generation is the manifesto of his government across the province including the newly merged tribal districts.
The inauguration of the newly established Rescue 1122 building was also held on the occasion.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 17th, 2022.