PESHAWAR (NNI): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provincial cabinet meeting approved the construction of the Buner- Karakar Tunnel and a bridge over the Indus River in Tor Ghar. In this regard, the cabinet sanctioned Rs19.37 billion for the scheme.
The 23rd cabinet meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur to review the province’s financial health, governance, and major developmental projects.
The meeting was attended by provincial cabinet members, the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretaries, the Senior Member Board of Revenue, and administrative secretaries from relevant departments.
During the session, officials briefed the cabinet on the province’s financial management, revealing that KP’s budget surplus stood at Rs169 billion over the past six months.
Additionally, the government recorded a 49% increase in tax and non-tax revenues over the past year.
It was also revealed that the current administration has cleared Rs78.5 billion in outstanding liabilities from previous governments.
To enhance financial discipline, the government has established a debt management fund, accumulating Rs30 billion so far to manage loan repayments effectively.
Chief Minister Gandapur directed elected representatives and local administrations to work together to regulate essential commodity prices during Ramadan. He instructed all cabinet members to conduct regular field visits in their respective divisions and districts to ensure strict monitoring of markets.
The provincial government has already issued written directives to divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners to oversee price control measures.
Gandapur also added that the government would provide substantial support to low-income families during Ramadan.
As part of the Ramadan Relief Package, the government will distribute Rs10,000 per household to deserving families.
The initiative will cover 5,000 families in each provincial assembly constituency, ensuring transparent and fair distribution.
Meanwhile, the meeting approved a scheme namely “Healthcare Funding for Hemophilia Treatment”. The government allocated Rs1.21 billion for the scheme to treat hemophilia patients in KP.
The cabinet sanctioned Rs19.37 billion for the construction of the Buner-Karakar Tunnel and a bridge over the Indus River in Torghar. These projects will enhance connectivity between the Hazara, Mardan, and Malakand divisions, significantly reducing travel time between Buner and Swat.
The cabinet approved the reallocation of unused tourism funds to improve rural tourist roads, ensuring better access to key destinations.
The government revived the Youth Endowment Fund, allocating Rs100 million to the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs.
The cabinet approved a Rs80 million grant for Cadet College Mamad Gat (Mohmand) and another Rs80 million for Peshawar Model School and College under its Grant-in-Aid program.
The cabinet also okayed an increase in fixed pay packages for the Chairman and members of the FATA Tribunal, bringing their salaries in line with those of other provincial tribunals. NNI
