K-P to outsource eight primary schools

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has been working to outsource eight newly established primary schools through the public-private partnership model in the province.

It was revealed during a high level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah with administrative secretaries and senior officials to review departmental progress and issue directives aimed at strengthening governance, promoting transparency, and expediting public service delivery across the province.

During the meeting, the chief secretary announced that the implementation mechanism for the province's paperless government initiative under the E-Office system is in place, with the formal launch scheduled for April 30.

The system is currently undergoing testing, and once operational, it is expected to significantly enhance transparency, save time, and improve administrative efficiency through complete digitization.

In a key move to attract domestic and foreign investments, the chief secretary highlighted the importance of a Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) cell within the Planning and Development Department.

Lead department working groups have been notified under the SIFC investment acceleration framework. A comprehensive project inventory document, detailing investment-ready projects and sectoral priorities, is set to be launched by May 30.

The chief secretary directed departments to prioritize high-impact projects and those nearing completion to accelerate benefits to the public. Reviewing the release and utilization of development funds, the chief secretary stressed the need for timely expenditure, particularly on schemes aimed at public welfare.

A centralized project tracking system has been put in place to monitor progress on critical initiatives, with all departments instructed to ensure strict compliance with timelines. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives also featured prominently in the meeting. Officials presented tourism-related PPP projects, including recreational parks and motorways.