K-P, Centre vow joint push for MDs' uplift

The first meeting of the Joint Steering Committee on the Accelerated Implementation Program (AIP) for the merged districts was held in Islamabad on Friday, with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur presiding over the session.

The high-level meeting brought together key federal and provincial stakeholders, reflecting the government's commitment to addressing the longstanding challenges of the region. Among those in attendance were Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal and Engineer Amir Muqam, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Mubarak Zeb, K-P Finance Advisor Muzammil Aslam, Additional Chief Secretary Planning and Development K-P, representatives of 11 Corps, and senior civil and military officials.

The participants held an in-depth discussion on ongoing and upcoming development schemes under the AIP, which was launched to accelerate progress in the former FATA areas following their merger with K-P. Authorities presented detailed briefings on the status of projects and the pressing financial situation that continues to hamper implementation.

During the meeting, it was decided to initiate new joint projects under the program. These include the provision of solar power systems to households, construction of police infrastructure to improve law enforcement capacity, and strengthening of FATA University to expand higher education opportunities for the youth of the merged districts. Officials informed that the solar power project alone is estimated to cost Rs13.3 billion.

To ensure better planning and execution, the meeting approved the establishment of a technical committee comprising federal and provincial officials along with representatives of 11 Corps. The committee will be tasked with setting priorities, recommending timelines, and monitoring progress on the AIP schemes.

Speakers at the meeting underlined that restoring law and order, developing infrastructure, promoting trade, and creating employment opportunities would remain the foremost priorities for both the provincial and federal governments. They stressed that without tangible progress in these areas, peace and stability in the region would remain fragile.

The provincial government, however, voiced concern over the insufficient release of funds by the federal government. Officials noted that while the federal government had pledged Rs100 billion annually for development in the merged districts, only Rs158 billion has been released over the past six years against the committed Rs600 billion. Completion of already approved AIP projects requires Rs269 billion, they added.

Chief Minister Gandapur stressed that the development of the merged districts should not be seen as a provincial issue alone. "This is a national responsibility," he remarked, urging the federal government to finalize the long-awaited NFC Award. "The new NFC Award is not only a constitutional requirement but also the need of the hour. Once implemented, and the due share for merged districts allocated, most of their financial difficulties will be resolved," he said.