Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Sunday launched a project for Peshawar’s Beautification with the aim to restore the historic glory of the provincial capital.
Under the initiative, rehabilitation of roads infrastructure, installation of street lights, vehicular traffic decognition measures, installation of sculptures, and development of green areas and other beautification measures will be carried out.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, the Chief Minister said that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have voted for Imran Khan’s vision for the third time, and “we will provide them every possible facility.” He added that all laws and policies introduced in the province will focus solely on public welfare and the greater public interest.
He further said that ” some ill-informed individuals question the one percent share Khyber Pakhtunkhwa receives under the NFC Award for war against terrorism, but they ignore the fact that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has made the greatest sacrifices in that war.” He further stated that other provinces receive more funds under various heads, while KP continues to face financial discrimination.
Speaking about the federal government’s outstanding dues, the Chief Minister said that Rs. 2,200 billion in net hydel profit payments are pending with the federation, yet no one speaks about it. He added that the federal government had pledged Rs. 100 billion annually for the merged districts, but the pledged funds were not released and Rs. 550 billion, owed to the merged districts remain unpaid. “The administrative merger of the former FATA has taken place, but its financial merger has not yet,” he said.
Overall, the Chief Minister stated that Rs. 3,000 billion are outstanding against the federal government. He further remarked that KP’s rightful share in the NFC Award stands at 19.4 percent, but the province is given only 14.6 percent. “We demand our full rights. The federal government is treating Khyber Pakhtunkhwa like a stepchild,” he remarked.
Referring to the newly launched project, the chief minister said Peshawar, as the provincial capital, was a collective responsibility. “We will continue to bring forward more projects to improve its development and aesthetics, this city is our face,” he noted. He said a comprehensive master plan for Peshawar would soon be prepared in consultation with public representatives.
Earlier, officials briefed the chief minister that the beautification project included the rehabilitation of Peshawar Ring Road, Jamrud Road, and GT Road.
Provincial Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Meena Khan Afridi also addressed the ceremony. The event was attended by elected representatives from Peshawar, former MPAs and senior officials of the Local Government Department.