K-P to launch digital tendering in fisheries

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Standing Committee on Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperatives announced on Saturday the introduction of an e-tendering system in the Fisheries Department.

The announcement came during a visit of MPAs, who are members of the standing committee, to Tarbela Lake and Khanpur Dam.

According to the committee members, this new system will not only bring greater transparency but also help increase revenue. The committee also expressed concern over the potential damage caused to fish populations by boating activities in Khanpur Dam.

Chairman of the Standing Committee, MPA Sher Ali Afridi, stated during a media briefing that discussions with local authorities would soon be held to assess the impact of boating on fish habitats.

Other committee members present during the visit included MPAs Malik Adeel Iqbal, Iftikhar Ullah Jan, Ijaz Khan, Abdul Munim, Ubaid ur Rehman, Sher Ali, Laiq Muhammad Khan, and Abdul Salam. Also in attendance were Provincial Assembly Secretary Kifayatullah Afridi, Committee Secretary Shahdur Rehman, and Assistant Secretary Israrullah.

During the visit, the committee members gave principled approval for the launch of the e-tendering system in the Fisheries Department. The members toured Tarbela Lake and Khanpur Dam by boat as part of their inspection.

Speaking to the media, Committee Chairman Sher Ali Afridi emphasised that a previously established subcommittee would continue to work on the implementation of e-tendering. He reiterated that this digital approach would not only improve transparency but also boost departmental revenue.

Regarding the environmental concerns at Khanpur Dam, Afridi noted that in the committee's upcoming session, consultations would be held with the local government and Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) of Khanpur.