He says maintaining law and order in the province remains the government’s top priority.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. SCREEN CAPTURE
PESHAWAR:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has pledged to prioritize completion of stalled infrastructure projects in the underdeveloped Shangla district, ensuring residents of better connectivity and healthcare facilities in the upcoming Annual Development Program (ADP).
In a meeting held in Peshawar on Wednesday, former provincial minister and PTI central deputy secretary for information Shaukat Yousafzai called on chief minister Afridi. The two leaders discussed a range of political, regional and development issues facing the province.
Yousafzai highlighted the dire condition of several incomplete projects in Shangla originally carried out by the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA). He specifically drew attention to the Leiluni-Bulkani road and the Belle Baba Pir Abad road, which have deteriorated into ruins, severely hampering travel for a large local population. Residents are forced to take long detours to reach their homes, causing significant hardship.
The former minister also expressed concern over the slow pace of construction of the Ranyal-Chichlo road and the central tehsil hospital in Bisham, and urged faster progress for the benefit of the area.
Responding to the briefing, Chief Minister Afridi expressed deep concern over the prolonged delays and consequent hardships on the people. He ordered that Leiluni-Bulkani and Belle Baba Pir Abad roads be included in the next ADP for early completion. He also directed officials to allocate additional funds for Bisham Tehsil Central Hospital in the upcoming budget and immediately remove obstacles on Chichlo Road to ensure its speedy delivery to the public.
Afridi emphasized that provincial resources belong to the people and that every penny will be spent on their well-being. “If ERRA has not been able to complete its projects, the public should not bear the punishment,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to direct resources solely towards development and prosperity.
The Prime Minister further stressed that maintaining law and order remains the top priority, without compromising the protection of lives and properties of citizens. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to promote tourism in the remote and scenic areas of the province by improving infrastructure, with the aim of creating employment opportunities for locals besides restoring peace and security.
Referring to the development of Peshawar, Afridi said the city is becoming more beautiful and safe through specific initiatives.
Dismissing criticism from his opponents, he declared: “I don’t care what my detractors say; I will continue to serve the people with total dedication.”
He concluded by noting that God has blessed KP with exceptional tourist attractions and that the government is working diligently to improve infrastructure in these areas to unlock their full potential for economic growth.
