K-P cabinet validates 2,400 doctors' hiring

Approves Debt Management Committee; creation of a Digital Governance Enablement Unit

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Cabinet has declared that the recruitment of 2,400 doctors on contract was done on merit, affirming that the process met all prescribed standards, while pledging to rectify any proven injustices even after appointments are finalized.

In the last cabinet meeting of the financial year 2025-26, Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi presided over a series of key decisions aimed at improving public service delivery, governance, and institutional efficiency. Addressing the session, the Chief Minister described the coming three months as critical for translating the newly approved budget into tangible relief for the people. He emphasized that the true yardstick of government performance is public satisfaction at the grassroots level rather than presentations or social media displays.

Afridi praised cabinet members, parliamentary secretaries, and officials from the Finance and Planning & Development departments for preparing a people-centric budget that prioritizes public needs. "The real test begins now with effective implementation," he said, directing all departments to focus squarely on public service. He called for active participation of parliamentary representatives in development projects and good governance initiatives to ensure results match public expectations, in line with Imran Khan's vision of transparent and merit-based governance.

Regarding the doctors' recruitment, the Chief Minister noted that several complaints, primarily about personal details and around 21 related to merit, had been received via the CM Complaint Cell. After detailed scrutiny, the process was found to be in accordance with rules, though some candidates lacked full awareness of the procedure. He assured that the complaint cell remains open and any proven injustice would lead to adjustment of deserving candidates, given the province's doctor shortage. "No eligible candidate will be ignored," he declared.

The cabinet also approved several administrative and developmental measures. These include closing the Transport Department's Driving School and shifting its staff to a new Driving Cell for effective regulation of private driving schools. Amendments to the Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates Rules 2021 were greenlit, providing complete fee waivers to legal heirs of martyrs from the armed forces, police, and civilians killed in terrorism or conflict.

Other decisions encompass the transfer of two kanals of land in Ratta Kulachi, Dera Ismail Khan, to NADRA for a regional office; establishment of a Debt Management Committee; creation of a Digital Governance Enablement Unit in the Finance Department; and approval of the $20 million Public Resources for Inclusive Development (PRID) program to boost revenue and digital service delivery. The cabinet also allocated funds for pursuing the province's NFC case and approved extensions and budgets for health facilities, including Government General Hospital Nishtarabad.

Information Minister Shafiq Jan briefed the media on the outcomes, underscoring the government's commitment to transparency, merit, and zero tolerance for corruption. Afridi reiterated that every action must reflect a practical commitment to public service.