NMDs prepared for new e-service system

High-powered steering committee aims for equitable development in tribal districts

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Caretaker Minister for Newly Merged Districts Affairs, Industries, Commerce, and Technical Education, Dr. Aamir Abdullah, has initiated efforts to implement an e-service delivery mechanism in the tribal districts of the province.

The goal is to enhance good governance and facilitate timely access to crucial information for the government’s effective functioning. Dr. Abdullah chaired the inaugural meeting of the high-level steering committee, formed by the provincial government to address the needs of the newly merged districts.

During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary Home and Tribal Affairs, Muhammad Abid Majeed, and representative members from various relevant departments, as well as 11 corps and police officers, were present.

Dr. Aamir Abdullah expressed his intent to streamline administrative affairs in the merged districts with a focus on progress. He stressed the significance of the steering committee in accelerating government initiatives for the region, ensuring equal participation in the development process, and addressing the unique challenges faced by these areas.

Also read: E-Service Centre launched in Quetta

He urged committee participants to furnish comprehensive details about projects initiated through various programs for the merged districts in the forthcoming meetings. The minister emphasized the goal of bringing development in the merged districts to a level equivalent to other parts of the province, ensuring the local population can fully benefit from these efforts.

The government’s vision led to the establishment of a steering committee, with the caretaker minister as its chairman, responsible for timely and practical measures. This committee encompasses all institutions and departments relevant to development, administration, and other concerns in the merged districts.

During the meeting, the additional chief secretary provided a detailed briefing on the forum’s objectives and responsibilities. The committee’s role is to expedite the development process in the merged districts, address the challenges faced by the residents, and take tangible steps in this regard.

A separate ministry has been established to oversee the affairs of the merged districts, with a delivery unit to support the committee’s objectives. The delivery unit’s primary function is to monitor and evaluate development projects, special initiatives, development processes, and government policies related to implementation and action in the merged districts. To enhance the management of these districts’ affairs, the unit will operate as the secretariat for the Steering Committee, utilizing the existing staff of the Home and Tribal Affairs department.

Read more: Newly merged districts ‘under-financed’

Furthermore, a project management and reforms unit will collaborate with the delivery unit to gather targets from the departments and provide electronic reporting on government affairs in these regions.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to brief the caretaker minister on the steps and decisions taken by the task force responsible for the development and affairs of the merged districts, led by the chief minister. The task force has approved development projects and outlined progress on economic development initiatives, administrative necessities, and other pertinent matters.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 18^th, 2023.