Development of merged districts top priority: CM

PESHAWAR: Caretaker Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Syed Arshad Hussain Shah has termed the fast-track development of merged tribal districts as the top most priority of his government.

He said despite financial issues, the caretaker provincial government was taking practical measures for the development of the merged districts.

He expressed these views while addressing the 20th annual scholarships and awards distribution ceremony organized by the WANA Welfare Association at the Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar on Saturday.

“The government will go all out to complete ongoing developmental projects and other public welfare activities in the merged areas within the stipulated time lines,” he said.

He said a complaint cell would soon be established at Chief Minister’s House to monitor the public service delivery as well as to receive complaints about the government departments and institutions. Immediate action would be taken to redress the public grievances and negligent officials would be held accountable.

The chief minister said that the provincial government was also fully committed to the wellbeing of the people of merged districts, and was working practically for this purpose. He made it clear that the provincial government was going to launch “Khushal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” program very soon, under which special attention will be given to the merged districts.

Similarly, under the provincial government’s Human Resource Export Strategy, youth of the province especially of merged areas would be imparted with IT-based courses as per demands of the modern market so as to enable them to have better job opportunities abroad. Our ultimate goal is to empower the youth economically as well as enable them to play their role as responsible citizen in the national development and prosperity, he remarked.

The chief minister, on the occasion, announced Rs.5 million for the WANA Welfare Association and hoped that the association would continue its public welfare activities in a better manner.

Earlier, the chief minister distributed prizes and testimonial certificates amongst students who successfully completed their studies in various educational institutions with the financial support of WANA Welfare Association. He congratulated the position holder students and hoped that they would continue to hard working and contribute to the development of the country.