MINGORA: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan on Friday said his government had prioritised the early completion of ongoing projects, including the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit and Swat Motorway.

“Our top priority is to complete all ongoing projects in the province, including BRT in Peshawar and Swat Motorway, as soon as possible. I will personally address the sense of deprivations among all parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he told reporters and visitors in hometown Matta here.

The chief minister said despite facing enormous challenges, the government was committed to bring about a visible improvement in the people’s life across the province.

He said the government would ensure ‘simplicity’ and austerity, while all elected representatives of the ruling party would work hard for the people’s development.

Mr Mahmood Khan said he would focus his attention on the development of war-torn and flood-hit Malakand division and resolution of electricity issue on emergency basis.

“The road from Chakdara to Swat has been in bad shape for a long time. I have already brought the issue to the notice of Premier Imran Khan and I am sure that work on it will soon be expedited, while the newly-constructed 550-bedded hospital in Saidu Sharif will soon be opened,” he said.

The chief minister said water shortage had been a longstanding issue of Mingora and therefore, he would ensure its effective resolution through the start of a gravity scheme from Bagh Dherai area to Mingora and suburbs.

He said Swat valley offered scenic beauty and cultural heritage to tourists.

“We will bring some unique and mega projects to the valley to promote turn it into the Asian hub of tourism,” he said.

The chief minister said his government would initiate afternoon and evening shifts in intermediate colleges on emergency basis to accommodate all students, who passed SSC exam but were out of colleges due to lack of admissions.

“We will also establish several colleges in the district. I am sure that in near future, no student will be without access to education,” he said.

The chief minister said a proper policy would be devised for regular special police force in the region.

He promised action against those involved in mismanagement of the recent Etea test, especially paper leak.

“Legal action will be taken against those found involved in leaking of paper ahead of Etea test for admission to medical colleges,” he said.

The chief minister said a ‘new form’ of local governments would be introduced in the province.

He said he would minimise the expenses of the chief minister’s office following his party manifesto and would not use the CM’s House.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2018