CM Afridi says quality public services are top priority

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has affirmed that delivery of timely and quality public service to citizens is the top priority of his administration as the province advances its ambitious Good Governance Roadmap to transform administrative efficiency, transparency and accountability.

Chairing a key review meeting via video link, the Prime Minister emphasized that the roadmap has already produced measurable improvements in government performance. “We are making institutions more efficient and responsive and rebuilding public trust through faster, transparent service delivery,” he declared. Clear performance targets and a strong cross-departmental monitoring system are in place to ensure that citizens receive services without delay or compromise on quality.

Officials presented a detailed briefing on sectoral achievements. In digital transformation, the province launched the Cashless KP initiative and secured cabinet approval for the landmark Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Digital Payments Act 2025, making KP the first in Pakistan to enact comprehensive legislation for a digital economy. The law, soon to be tabled in the provincial assembly, mandates QR code-based payments in government and business transactions to increase transparency and financial inclusion. Over 100 public services have been digitized, including property transfers and the issuance of land deeds (fard). The rollout of e-Summaries and e-Office systems has processed more than 1,500 summaries and over 600 files, greatly streamlining bureaucratic processes.

Health reforms were prominent, with 150 Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs) upgraded to function as 24/7 birth centres. Recruitment is progressing for 700 contract doctors to staff these facilities, while approval has been given to hire 2,400 doctors for vacant positions. Outsourcing of 72 health facilities is on track to be completed in August this year.

Tourism development in scenic areas received a boost through the outsourcing of solid waste management under the Galyat Development Authority. Master plans and land use strategies are under way for the Kalam, Kaghan, Kumrat and Galyat regions. Interest-free loans totaling Rs 150 million have been disbursed to local people for locally based tourist accommodation.

In agriculture, especially in merged districts, grafting has transformed 150,000 wild olive trees into high-yielding European varieties. Farmers received 200 mechanized farm machines and 700 watercourses were upgraded with community engagement.