Says that maintaining law and order in the province remains the government’s top priority
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. SCREEN GRAB
PESHAWAR:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has promised to prioritize the completion of stalled infrastructure projects in the underdeveloped Shangla district and ensure residents improved connectivity and health facilities in the upcoming Annual Development Program (ADP).
In a meeting held on Wednesday in Peshawar, former provincial minister and PTI Central Deputy Secretary for Information Shaukat Yousafzai called on Chief Minister Afridi. The two leaders discussed a number of political, regional and developmental issues facing the province.
Yousafzai highlighted the dire state of several incomplete schemes in Shangla which were initially implemented by the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA). He specifically drew attention to Leiluni-Bulkani Road and Belle Baba Pir Abad Road, which have fallen into ruins, greatly hampering travel for a large local population. Residents are forced to take long detours to reach their homes, causing considerable distress.
The former minister also raised concerns over the slow pace of construction on Ranyal-Chichlo Road and Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Bisham and called for faster progress for the benefit of the area.
Reacting to the briefing, Chief Minister Afridi expressed deep concern over the protracted delays and consequent hardship to the people. He directed that Leiluni-Bulkani Road and Belle Baba Pir Abad Road should be included in the next ADP for early completion. He also directed officials to allocate additional funds for the Bisham Tehsil headquarters hospital in the upcoming budget and to immediately remove obstructions on Chichlo Road to ensure its speedy handover to the public.
Afridi stressed that the resources of the province belong to the people and every penny would be spent on their welfare. “If ERRA has failed to complete its projects, the public should not bear the penalty,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to direct resources exclusively towards development and prosperity.
The Chief Minister further emphasized that maintaining law and order remains the top priority, without compromising on the protection of citizens’ lives and property. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to promote tourism in the province’s remote and scenic areas by improving infrastructure with the aim of creating employment opportunities for local people alongside restoring peace and security.
Regarding Peshawar’s development, Afridi said that the city is being made more beautiful and safer through targeted initiatives.
He dismissed criticism from detractors, declaring, “I don’t care what my detractors say; I will continue to serve the people with full dedication.”
He concluded by noting that God has blessed KP with exceptional tourist attractions and the government is working hard to upgrade the infrastructure of these areas to unlock their full potential for economic growth.
