K-P CM boasts Rs100b treasury surplus

Outgoing interim chief executive applauds election oversight, fiscal management

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Caretaker Chief Minister, Syed Arshad Hussain Shah, commended all institutions for overseeing free, fair, and peaceful elections in the province. Speaking at a press conference regarding his government’s performance, he recounted the financial challenges faced upon assuming office, highlighting a depleted provincial treasury incapable of meeting even salary obligations.

In a remarkable turnaround, the interim government swiftly replenished funds, boasting a treasury surplus of Rs100 billion, a feat attributed to the compassionate support of Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar. Shah proudly announced a surplus budget of Rs62 billion, achieved without resorting to loans but by securing an additional Rs20 billion through the NFC award from the federal government.

Highlighting achievements, Shah noted an increase in net hydel profit to Rs20 billion, facilitating significant investments in education and development projects. Notably, 33,000 students were granted admissions, with ECNEC approving development projects worth Rs190 billion.

Asserting provincial rights, the government secured gas entitlements under Article 158 of the Constitution. Shah underscored strides in industrial development, with Rs50 billion investment anticipated from newly established industrial zones, promising employment opportunities for 70,000 individuals.

Read Uncertainty looms over K-P’s budget

In the realm of education, approval for two new medical colleges was granted, alongside a landmark agreement with Google to train 20,000 K-P youth at no cost. Furthermore, negotiations with the British Council to provide scholarships for 10,000 students were nearing finalization.

Shah affirmed the imminent appointment of vice-chancellors for public universities on merit, expressing hope for the continuity of ongoing projects and policies under the new provincial government.

He highlighted the proactive measures undertaken to bolster the province’s skilled workforce, emphasizing a pivotal decision to augment medical college capacity by 3,000 seats. Additionally, plans are underway to expand nursing programs. Notably, the introduction of Quantum Computing marks a significant milestone achieved by the interim government.

Under the Khushhal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa program, a series of initiatives have been launched to ensure effective governance. These include an austerity drive, crackdowns on narcotics and encroachments, and a firm stance against corruption, yielding tangible outcomes.

Addressing youth welfare, the chief minister unveiled plans to facilitate the overseas employment of around five hundred thousand individuals within the next year through the Human Resource Export Strategy. Numerous agreements with domestic and international entities have been inked to facilitate this endeavor.

Concluding, the chief minister extended gratitude to the bureaucracy, police, media, and army for their unwavering support and collaboration.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 27^th, 2024.