PESHAWAR: The provincial task force on the newly-merged districts (NMDs) has reviewed progress on the ongoing development schemes and matters related to the merger and administrative affairs of Khyber tribal district.
A meeting in this regard was held here on Thursday with Chief Minister Mahmood Khan in the chair. The participants reviewed implementation status of the decisions taken regarding other tribal districts in previous meeting of the task force and expressed satisfaction in this regard.
Besides provincial ministers Shahram Tarakai, Taimur Saleem Jhagra, Akbar Ayub, Shaukat Yousafzai and Kamran Bangash, the meeting was also attended by Peshawar Corps Commander Lt-Gen Nauman Mahmood, chief secretary Kazim Niaz, IGP Sanaullah Abbasi, IG FC Maj-Gen Adil Yameen and other civil and military high-ups.
Briefing the forum about the development portfolio of Khyber district, it was stated that development projects worth Rs75 billion had been reflected in the Annual Development Programme and Accelerated Implementation Programme for Khyber district.
It was added that proposed project of Khyber Economic Corridor would be implemented with estimated cost of Rs76 billion. It was stated that under the supervision of security forces 74 different projects had been completed under the third phase of immediate rehabilitation initiative.
Task force reviews progress on uplift schemes in Khyber
The forum was informed that economic development plan for all NMDs had been finalised under which 30 different projects in various potential sectors were proposed to be implemented at an estimated cost of Rs65 billion.
The meeting was informed that under the proposed economic development plan employment opportunities would be provided to locals in various sectors whereas around 75,000 individuals would be trained in various vocational skills.
Besides, 30,000 semi-skilled and skilled trainee workers would be equipped with employable skills. Similarly, new tourist destinations have also been proposed to be developed in Khyber, Kurram, South Waziristan and North Waziristan that will create jobs in tourism and allied industries.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister directed the authorities concerned to fix realistic timelines for implementation of the proposed economic development plan.
SHELTER HOMES: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Thursday signed an agreement with Pakistan Baitul Mal for establishing Shelter Homes (Panagahs) in the province.
A ceremony in this regard was held here at CM Secretariat with Chief Minister Mahmood Khan as chief guest. Chief secretary Kazim Niaz and MD Pakistan Baitul Mal Aun Abbas were also present. The agreement was signed by KP director social welfare and PBM deputy managing director.
Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2021
