PESHAWAR: In his first provincial cabinet meeting, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s newly appointed Chief Minister Sohail Afridi approved several significant initiatives aimed at transforming the tribal districts and enhancing provincial development.
During the session, Afridi announced the creation of the Tribal Medical College, the Tribal University of Modern Sciences, and a new university dedicated to investigative and modern journalism, which will be named in honor of the late journalist Arshad Sharif. The cabinet also approved plans to build sports playgrounds in all districts and launched a province-wide Safe City project to bolster public safety through improved surveillance and security infrastructure.
The meeting included a review of the progress on the Good Governance Roadmap, an assessment of the law and order situation, and discussions on measures to combat corruption effectively. Afridi emphasized that efforts had been made to undermine the people’s mandate but praised provincial officials for their vital role in defending democratic principles.
He announced that outstanding officials who upheld their duties in support of the public would be recognized with awards, while those engaging in corrupt practices would face disciplinary action. Afridi reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, making it clear that no individual or officer would be allowed to indulge in unethical conduct.
The Chief Minister stressed that civil servants and government officials serve the people and that any officer failing to maintain public trust would be removed from their position. He highlighted that his government’s approach was driven by a desire for genuine change that citizens could see and experience, rather than mere routine politics.
Afridi directed authorities to phase out the traditional rote-learning education system and implement a Conceptual Examination Framework across the province to foster critical thinking and improve educational standards.He also assured that no arrests would be carried out under political cases or the 3-MPO regulation, emphasizing the focus on development and progress. The cabinet resolved to prioritize the development of the merged tribal districts, aiming to improve access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for their residents.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to fostering inclusive growth, strengthening institutional integrity, and pursuing social reforms throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the new leadership.
