Govt committed to developing whole province, says CM

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan on Sunday said that economic stability and overall development of the province, including merged tribal districts, was the priority of the provincial government.

“The provincial government of PTI has taken practical steps to stabilise the economy along with reforms in the province,” the chief minister told the MPAs at Chief Minister’s House, said a handout.

Mahmood Khan said that the PTI was committed to making the country a welfare state. “The present government is focused on delivery of justice, rule of law and development of the marginalised section of the society. Provincial government has taken special measures for the uplift of backward and trivial sections of the society beyond politics,” he added.

Mahmood Khan stated that long-term development and delivery of basic services in all the districts of the entire province was the top most priority. He said that special focus was being given for the promotion of health and education in the backward area of the province.

Chief Minister maintained that completion of Peshawar-Dera Ismail Khan Expressway would be made possible for the development of southern districts.

“We are making the province a centre for trade activities nationally as well as internationally,” he said, adding, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is rich in natural resources, while the provincial government is taking practical steps to utilise these resources for the improvement of economy.

Several held in drive against encroachment

The district administration arrested several individuals during an anti-encroachment drive in Shoba Bazaar on Sunday.

A press release issued here said that the district administration received complaints from public regarding encroachment in the area. The public have complained that shopkeepers and vendors have encroached upon footpaths of the Shoba Bazaar and Soekarno Chowk.

They complained that extension of shops to footpaths was creating problems for the pedestrians and shoppers. The administration took action against the encroachment and arrested 33 persons for encroaching upon the footpaths. Also, eight persons were arrested at the Itwar Bazaar in Hayatabad for overcharging.