Centre owes Rs3,000bn to KP: CM Launches beautification project for Peshawar

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Sunday launched a beautification project for Peshawar aimed at restoring the historic glory of the provincial capital.

Under the initiative, rehabilitation of road infrastructure, installation of streetlights, measures for easing vehicular congestion, installation of sculptures, development of green areas, and other beautification works will be carried out.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, the chief minister said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had 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 would focus solely on public welfare and the greater public interest.

The chief minister said that “some ill-informed individuals question the one percent share KP receives under the National Finance Commission Award for the war against terrorism, but they ignore the fact that the province has made the greatest sacrifices in that war.”

He said other provinces received more funds under various heads, while KP continued to face financial discrimination.

Speaking about the federal government’s outstanding dues, the chief minister said Rs 2,200 billion in net hydel profit payments were pending with the federation, yet no one raised the issue.

He added that the federal government had pledged Rs 100 billion annually for the merged districts, but the pledged funds were never released, and Rs 550 billion owed to the merged districts remained unpaid. “The administrative merger of the former Fata has taken place, but its financial merger has not,” he said.

Overall, the chief minister stated that Rs 3,000 billion were outstanding against the federal government.

He said KP’s rightful share in the NFC Award stood at 19.4 percent, but the province was 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 introduce more projects to improve its development and aesthetics. This city is our face,” he added.

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 GT Road, Peshawar Ring Road and Jamrud Road.

Provincial Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Meena Khan also addressed the ceremony.

The event was attended by elected representatives from Peshawar, former MPAs and officials of the Local Government Department.