According to him, maintaining public order in the province remains the government’s top priority.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. SCREENSHOT
PESHAWAR:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has vowed to prioritize the completion of stalled infrastructure projects in the underdeveloped Shangla district, ensuring improved connectivity and healthcare facilities to residents in the upcoming Annual Development Program (ADP).
In a meeting held in Peshawar on Wednesday, former provincial minister and PTI central deputy information secretary 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 state of several incomplete projects in Shangla initially undertaken by the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA). He particularly drew attention to the Leiluni-Bulkani and Belle Baba Pir Abad roads, which have deteriorated and become ruins, severely hampering the movement of a large local population. Residents are forced to take long detours to reach their homes, which causes significant difficulties.
The former minister also raised concerns over the slow pace of construction of Ranyal-Chichlo road and Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Bisham, calling for faster progress to benefit the region.
Responding to the briefing, Chief Minister Afridi expressed deep concern over the prolonged delays and resulting hardships for the people. He directed that Leiluni-Bulkani and Belle Baba Pir Abad roads be included in the next ADP for early completion. He also asked the officials to allocate additional funds for Bisham Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in the upcoming budget and immediately remove obstacles on Chichlo road to ensure its early handover to the public.
Afridi stressed that provincial resources belong to the people and every penny would be spent for their welfare. “If ERRA has failed to carry out its projects, the public should not bear the punishment,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to dedicate resources only for development and prosperity.
The Chief Minister further emphasized that maintenance of law and order remained the top priority, without any compromise on protection of lives and property of citizens. He highlighted ongoing efforts to promote tourism in remote and scenic areas of the province by improving infrastructure, with the aim of creating employment opportunities for local people while restoring peace and security.
Addressing the development of Peshawar, Afridi said the city is being made more beautiful and safer through targeted initiatives.
Dismissing criticism from his opponents, he said: “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 outstanding tourist attractions and the government is working diligently to improve infrastructure in these areas to unlock their full potential for economic growth.
