K-P cabinet scraps civil power law

Govt moves to repeal controversial legislation, launch May 9 probe, prioritise governance reforms

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, announced the termination of the controversial "Action in Aid of Civil Power" law, declaring it contrary to fundamental human rights.

The cabinet also approved a resolution seeking the provincial assembly's endorsement for its repeal and announced the formation of a commission to investigate the May 9, 2023 attack on Radio Pakistan in Peshawar.

The cabinet meeting, which lasted six hours, focused on setting the provincial government's policy direction, governance reforms, law enforcement, and development priorities. Among the key decisions, the government approved the establishment of an interest-free K-P, introduction of Islamic investment models, a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, and a ban on using public funds for personal publicity.

Chief Minister Afridi emphasized that all governmental actions would be based on consultation with elected representatives and public interest. He also highlighted a unanimous provincial assembly resolution condemning the mistreatment of PTI founder and chairman Imran Khan and his wife, urging the government to respect citizens' democratic rights.

During the briefing, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Information, Shafee Jan, said the cabinet approved the K-P Witness Protection Rules 2025 to ensure the safety of witnesses involved in sensitive investigations or judicial proceedings under the K-P Witness Protection Act 2021. Amendments to the Arms Rules 2014 and the martyrdom policy for the recruitment of families of deceased personnel were also approved.

On the development front, the cabinet sanctioned Rs500 million for K-P Transmission and Grid System Company, approved land acquisition for the Madin Hydropower Project, and allocated financial support for three critical medical cases, including a transplant patient.

Additionally, plans were approved for installing HVAC systems at Peshawar Museum and upgrading sewerage infrastructure at tourist sites.

In the sports sector, the cabinet allocated Rs2.77 crore for Shandur Polo Festival winners and Rs20 lakh for boxer Khan Saeed Afridi. The Child Labour Action Plan 2025–2029 was also approved, targeting education for approximately 745,000 working children over five years, focusing on districts with the highest child labor rates, such as Bannu Division and Upper Dir.

The cabinet further approved a Rs4 billion relief fund for displaced families in North Waziristan affected during Operation Zarb-e-Azb, highlighting the provincial government's commitment to its citizens while urging the federal government to fulfill its responsibilities. Funds were also allocated for road development in South Waziristan and Swat.

Finally, a historic Rs6.185 billion fund was approved to address missing facilities in schools, with Rs1.2 billion to be released immediately, under PTI founder Imran Khan's vision of educational emergency, aiming to enhance the province's educational infrastructure and quality.