ISLAMABAD: The federal government has approved a comprehensive development package worth Rs 35.97 billion for the uplift and reconstruction of the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.The decision, made under the special directive of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aims to integrate these historically neglected areas into the national development framework and bridge longstanding gaps in infrastructure, education, energy, and security.
According to media, the funds will be utilised across multiple sectors to launch and complete key projects that address basic needs and enhance socio-economic progress in the region. One of the major components of the package includes the provision of solar energy to 120,000 households under the Integrated Project (IP) program, aiming to reduce dependency on traditional power sources and ease the region’s chronic energy shortages. Additionally, a modern 50-megawatt micro-grid system will be developed to meet the growing electricity demand of the area.
In terms of security infrastructure, Rs 7 billion has been allocated for the upgradation of police stations, check posts, and Levies Force facilities, to improve law enforcement capacity and public safety. The education sector has also received significant attention, with Rs 2.5 billion earmarked for the development and expansion of FATA University, providing better access to higher education for students in the region.
To ensure continuity and the completion of existing development schemes, the government has also allocated Rs 13.145 billion for the clearance of pending payments tied to ongoing projects.Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, commenting on the initiative, stated that the merged districts are among the top national priorities and stressed the government’s commitment to inclusive development. He announced that a high-level monitoring committee, to be chaired by the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, will oversee the implementation of the development package to ensure transparency and accountability.
Ahsan Iqbal emphasised that this initiative is not just a financial commitment but a critical step toward addressing the historical deprivations faced by the people of the merged districts. He added that the package would play a key role in promoting national unity, social equity, and regional stability. This approval marks a significant step forward in the federal government’s broader agenda to uplift underdeveloped regions and ensure that no area is left behind in Pakistan’s path to progress.
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