CHITRAL: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan on Tuesday said that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf would sweep the forthcoming general elections in the centre and four provinces.

He made these remarks while addressing a public meeting at the Parade Ground here on Tuesday.

During the daylong visit to Lower Chitral, Mahmood Khan inaugurated multiple development projects, including the Chitral Economic Zone, which is expected to create 8,000 jobs. An investment of Rs620 million is expected in the economic zone.

The chief minister also inaugurated Singur Bridge, which has been constructed at Rs700 million. He also opened Danin bypass road and Ayun Kalash valley bridge, which have been constructed at a cost of Rs50 million and Rs82 million, respectively.

The chief minister inaugurated a rescue station and a BS block in the local degree college.

Inaugurates economic zone and other projects in Chitral

Mahmood Khan also performed the groundbreaking of several projects, including Kalkatak Chitral Road, Broze Bridge, Karimabad and Kalash valley roads.

The chief minister also launched the beautification project of Lower Chitral worth Rs280 million.

He announced to give permanent status to employees hired under settlement of land project in Chitral. He also increased firewood allowance for government employees from Rs45 to Rs100 per day, besides announcing establishment of media colony for journalists, upgradation of women and children hospital, establishment of women resource centre and construction of Darosh bypass road.

Speaking at the public gathering, Mahmood Khan said a scheme to establish a sports complex in Lower Chitral was reflected in the current annual development programme. Establishment of colleges in Darosh and Garam Chashma had also been included in the development programme, he said, adding Rs1.28 billion had been earmarked in the current budget for Chitral University.

He stated that work on projects worth Rs33 billion was underway in the district which, on completion, would bring about a positive change in the people’s lives. He said work on Chitral-Boni-Mastuj Road would start soon.

Mr Mahmood said the establishment of Chitral Economic Zone would herald a new era of development in the region. He said the government was aware of the difficulties facing the people due to inflation. However, he claimed that concrete steps were being taken to reduce inflation and provide maximum relief to the poor.

Mr Mahmood said the government would soon launch an education card scheme for poor students. He said Kisan card scheme had been launched for providing financial assistance to farmers.

The chief minister said his government was working on a food card scheme to provide free rations to the deserving families on a monthly basis.

Special assistants to the chief minister, Abdul Karim and Wazirzada, Senator Falak Naz and others were also present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2021