Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cabinet Approves Key Development Initiatives

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur, made significant decisions during its recent meeting. These decisions encompassed various crucial sectors such as energy production, education, food security, and sustainable development in the province.

One of the key approvals was for the rehabilitation and restoration of the 17-megawatt Ranolia Hydropower Project in Kohistan Lower, with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank. Additionally, the cabinet sanctioned the acquisition of land for the 88 MW Gabral Kalam Hydropower project in Swat, expected to generate substantial income for the province upon completion.

Furthermore, the cabinet greenlit the shifting to automated motor vehicle registration smart cards, aiming to streamline the registration process and reduce costs for citizens. It also allocated funds from the defunct FATA Development Authority for microfinance initiatives in merged districts.

Education received a boost with the provision of free quality education for talented students in government schools, along with an increase in scholarships. The cabinet emphasized the importance of ensuring all students have access to textbooks and directed a study to compare government and private sector textbook quality and costs.

In a significant move, the cabinet conditionally approved the establishment of the National Industrial Development and Regulatory Authority to unify various economic zones and enhance investor facilitation. The procurement of 600,000 metric tons of wheat at a fixed rate was also approved, with a focus on maintaining quality, quantity, and transparency in the process to protect local growers' interests.

These decisions reflect the government's commitment to enhancing infrastructure, education, and economic opportunities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, setting a positive trajectory for the province's development.