K-P aims for food self-sufficiency by 2030

Afridi pledges modern grain storage, criticises federal government for alleged discrimination

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi has announced that the provincial government is actively planning to achieve food self-sufficiency, issuing necessary directives to all relevant departments.

Speaking at a ceremony held at the CM House to mark World Food Safety Day, organised by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety and Halal Food Authority, Afridi declared that the province will become self-sufficient in multiple sectors by the year 2030.

"The upcoming provincial budget will see an increase in allocations for the food department," Afridi stated. "Additionally, new warehouses equipped with modern technology will be constructed for wheat storage."

He emphasised that raising public awareness about safe food and fostering responsible attitudes is a critical need of the time, adding that the establishment of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety Authority has significantly improved the provision of healthy food.

In a sharp critique of the federal government, the Chief Minister alleged that the 'fake government in Punjab' has stopped wheat supplies to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. "Despite numerous letters, no heed was paid," he said. "When those sitting on 17 seats are given power, they do not think about the public interest."

Afridi further accused the federal government of financial and administrative discrimination against the province.

He revealed that while the provincial government allocated Rs3 billion for the CRBC project, the federation did not provide a single rupee. "The federation was committed to 80 per cent funding for CRBC, which later came down to 65 per cent, but ultimately not a single rupee was allocated in the budget," he lamented.

Similarly, he said, the provincial government has arranged Rs4 billion in bridge financing for the Northern Bypass project. He pointed out that the Peshawar Bus Terminal is complete, but the National Highway Authority (NHA) is refusing to issue an NOC for the access road. Likewise, the Swat Dam project is ready, but the federal government is withholding an NOC for a visit by foreign engineers.

"Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is being treated discriminatorily, which will only increase animosity," Afridi warned. He asserted that under the Constitution, the province producing gas has the first right to its usage. "The province produces over 500 MMCFD of gas but is only allowed to use 150 MMCFD. The federal government has shut off Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's gas, and the middle class is suffering immensely. The people of this province are paying the price for the federation's wrong policies."

The ceremony was also addressed by the Chief Minister's Special Assistant on Food, Dr Mohammad Israr, along with the Secretary of Food and the Director General of the Halal Food Authority.