LANDI KOTAL/PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan inaugurated projects of improvement and widening of Bara-Mastak Road and construction of Rescue 1122 building during his daylong visit to the Bara subdivision of Khyber tribal district here on Wednesday.

He was told on the occasion that the 43-kilometre road would be complete in two years at a cost of Rs1.6 billion. Upon its completion the road would reduce travel time between Bara and Tirah valley from four to two hours.

He was also told that the construction of Rescue 1122 building would take 18 months with an estimated cost of Rs45 million.

Meanwhile, Mahmood Khan also inaugurated a citizens facilitation centre at the municipal building Bara which would be constructed at a cost of over Rs19 million.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said the provincial government was fully focused to develop the newly-merged tribal districts. He said his government had so far utilised Rs12 billion received from the federal government on development of the region.

“We have plans to utilise Rs50 billion additional development funds during the current fiscal year out of the total Rs83 billion,” he added.

During his visit, the chief minister also administered oath to the newly-elected cabinet of the Bara Press Club.

While speaking with mediapersons, Mahmood Khan appreciated their role in highlighting genuine issues of the society, saying that role and importance of media in contemporary world could not be ignored.

MNA Iqbal Afridi, MPA Shafiq Afridi, principal secretary to CM Shahab Ali Shah, the Khyber deputy commissioner and others also accompanied the CM.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mahmood Khan directed officials to submit service rules and regulations for the KP Urban Mobility Authority (KPUMA) to the law department for vetting.

A statement issued in Peshawar said that the chief minister was chairing the 8th board meeting of the authority, which was also attended by finance minister Taimur Salim Jaghra, members of provincial assembly Faisal Zaman and Asif Khan, additional chief secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, secretaries of finance, local government departments and other officials.

Mahmood Khan said transparency and merit would be ensured in the establishment of the authority and its recruitment process.

The chief minister said the provincial government was focused on the development and beautification of Peshawar.

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2020