By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi
PESHAWAR: Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Suhail Afridi, has stated that the use of force or military operations is not a solution to any issue. Speaking at the 45th provincial cabinet meeting, Afridi highlighted that a Grand Peace Jirga held at the provincial assembly, attended by representatives of all political and religious parties, unanimously rejected military action as a means to resolve problems.
Afridi emphasized that sustainable peace requires a comprehensive, inclusive policy involving institutions, political and religious parties, tribal elders, and Pashtun leaders. He warned that decisions taken behind closed doors would not ensure peace or public trust and reiterated that the provincial government will not permit military operations under any circumstances.
During the meeting, several key decisions were made across governance, welfare, and development sectors. The cabinet approved the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Establishment of Special Courts (Overseas Pakistanis Properties) Act, 2025, aimed at protecting the property rights of overseas Pakistanis. A “Martyrs Package” for Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control staff, modeled on police benefits, was referred to a cabinet committee for further deliberation.
For social welfare, the cabinet approved buses for the Special Education Complex Hayatabad and children under the Zamung Kor initiative, and directed special measures for homeless individuals and winter arrangements for tourists. Rs900 million was allocated to the Irrigation Department for desilting canals to mitigate flood risks.
Youth engagement was prioritized with Rs6 million approved for the Grand Kurram Youth Convention, promoting dialogue and national cohesion. Additional approvals included vehicles for national parks, forest staff in merged districts, and the provincial Ombudsman’s office.
In education and health, the cabinet brought Cadet College Lakki Marwat under provincial ordinance, upgraded librarians in Higher Education, sanctioned financial aid for two citizens’ medical treatments, allocated Rs448 million for cardiac programs, and approved replacement of hemodialysis machines in government hospitals. Four independent directors were also appointed to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minerals Development and Management Company.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Information, Shafee Jan, said these measures reflect the government’s commitment to inclusive governance, public welfare, and the protection of citizens’ rights, emphasizing that dialogue and consultative processes are the pillars of sustainable peace in the province.
