K-P govt approves Rs 3.14bn for merged districts

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) finance ministry has approved Rs 3.14 billion in funding to accelerate development across merged districts, aiming to improve key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, according to local media sources.

The approved funds will be allocated to a range of sectors, including Rs 65 million for agriculture, Rs 284 million for primary and secondary education, and Rs 200 million for higher education.

The energy sector is set to receive Rs 110 million for infrastructure enhancements, while healthcare has been allocated Rs 297 million, and housing and development projects will receive Rs 56 million.

Additional funding has been designated for food (Rs 8 million), forestry (Rs 19 million), industry (Rs 47 million), information services (Rs 2 million), law and justice (Rs 49 million), livestock (Rs 33 million), and local government (Rs 1 million).

The K-P finance department will manage the distribution of these funds, ensuring their effective use in administrative schemes, salaries, and utility projects within the merged districts.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also directed the Revenue Department to expedite issuing electronic Property Cards to citizens in the merged districts.

These cards will allow residents to access land records via a mobile application, a step towards greater transparency and conflict reduction in property ownership.

CM Gandapur described the initiative as a critical component of the provincial government’s revenue reforms, with a focus on integrating information and communication technology for land record management.

K-P CM Gandapur says will go to any length to acquire PIA

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Monday vowed to go "to any length" to buy Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), accusing the Sharif family of attempting to acquire the national carrier at bargain rates.

Speaking at an event in Peshawar, Gandapur alleged that "the cat is out of the bag" and claimed the family is seeking to buy PIA “for next to nothing.”

The remarks were made following a graduation ceremony for students from the Alternate Learning Pathways (ALP) programme, where the KP government celebrated its educational achievements.

Gandapur emphasised K-P's commitment to public service, stating that the province would retain the PIA name if successful in the bid.

He also highlighted that K-P’s finances are currently strong, with a surplus budget and revenue meeting targets.

Gandapur further condemned the government, holding it responsible for rising terrorism in the region, while praising the KP security forces’ ongoing efforts to combat the threat.

In addition to PIA acquisition plans, the chief minister distributed certificates to ALP graduates, a programme designed to provide schooling to out-of-school children.

Since its inception, over 62,000 students have graduated, with over 42,000 currently enrolled across 27 districts.

The initiative, funded by the World Bank, aims to improve educational access in remote and tribal areas.

With K-P’s focus on expanding educational and healthcare services, Gandapur stressed the government’s duty to prioritise public welfare, promising more development in these sectors.