PESHAWAR: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced Rs160 billion in federal funding for development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, pledging additional support to address the province’s security, infrastructure and public welfare needs.
The prime minister made the announcement while addressing members of the Area Representative Development Council representing the tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Peshawar. Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was also present at the meeting.
Shehbaz Sharif said the federal government would ensure an adequate supply of wheat to meet the province’s requirements and prevent shortages. He directed the authorities to make wheat available to consumers at the same price at which it was supplied by the federal government and warned against hoarding.
He also pledged federal assistance and resources to strengthen the provincial police, improve counterterrorism capabilities, upgrade police training and complete Safe City projects.
The prime minister said bottlenecks hindering federal development schemes would be removed to ensure their timely completion, while the provincial government would be responsible for resolving obstacles affecting projects under its jurisdiction.
Expressing concern over alleged corruption and delays in development work, Shehbaz stressed that public money allocated for education, healthcare and the future of young people must be spent transparently and in the best interests of citizens.
He referred to alleged financial irregularities involving a Rs100 billion drinking water project and a Rs37 billion fraud case in Kohistan, saying measures would be taken to prevent corruption and ensure development funds reached their intended beneficiaries.
The prime minister also paid tribute to the sacrifices of tribal communities in the fight against terrorism, acknowledging their contribution to peace and security in the region.
Addressing tribal elders, he assured them of a greater role in local development and pledged efforts to promote access to justice, expand technical education for young people and resolve issues faced by residents.
Shehbaz Sharif said the federal government would work in coordination with the provincial administration, the governor, the tribal advisory council and relevant institutions to accelerate development, improve public services and promote lasting peace and prosperity across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
