K-P Assembly to debate loans, street crime

Lawmakers submit wide-ranging questions ahead of Oct 20 session

PESHAWAR:

A wide range of administrative, financial and law-and-order issues are set to come under discussion in the upcoming session of the provincial assembly as lawmakers submitted a series of questions to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Secretariat.

The issues include the province's internal and external debt burden, distribution of Zakat funds, wheat procurement, rising street crimes in Peshawar and illegal logging

The secretariat has issued the schedule for questions to be taken up in the session beginning October 20, according to which members will raise queries related to the Departments of Relief, Finance, Irrigation, Zakat, Food, Higher Education, Agriculture, Energy and Power, among others.

According to official documents, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MPA Ahmad Kundi has submitted questions regarding the province's internal and external loans, Zakat committees across districts, hydroelectric power projects and their output, and the election process of District Development Advisory Committee (DDAC) chairmen.

PPP's Ashbar Jan Jadoon has tabled questions concerning the 2024-25 budget deficit, while ANP's Shahida Bibi has sought details about the distribution of Zakat funds across the province.

From the PML-N, Jalal Khan has raised concerns about the use of crystal meth (ice) in educational institutions, calling for a detailed report on preventive measures and law enforcement actions.

JUI-F's Adnan Khan, alongside ANP's Adnan Khan, has questioned the wheat procurement process, provincial wheat reserves, and storage capacity, while ANP's Arbab Usman has sought information on flour pricing mechanisms, steps taken to curb shortages, and the purchase and sale of weapons within the province.

PML-N's Shehla Bano has submitted a question about the theft of 19 air conditioners from Hayatabad Medical Complex, seeking a report on progress in the investigation and actions taken against those responsible.

Similarly, ANP's Nisar Baz has raised questions regarding the number of disabled and mentally ill inmates in provincial jails, along with the capacity of each prison.

In another detailed query, PML-N's Sobia Shahid has asked for comprehensive data on murders, robberies, abductions, vehicle thefts and other criminal incidents reported in Peshawar between January 1, 2018, and 2024, including case outcomes and pending investigations.

Meanwhile, PPP's Shazia Tehmas Khan has sought updates on the recovery of two stolen statues, their current custody status, and the legal proceedings against those involved.

JUI-F's Sajidullah has submitted a question regarding illegal deforestation in Lower Kohistan, requesting comparative details of forest cover before 2013 and after 2024, as well as information about measures taken to curb logging.