PESHAWAR: Responding to the recent allegations of heavy spending on Kitchen items in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s house, the spokesperson for the Chief Minister issued a detailed clarification, defending the government’s hosting practices and rejecting allegations of misuse of public funds.
According to the spokesperson, it is routine for both official and private gatherings to take place at the CM Secretariat. These events are considered an essential part of government protocol, diplomacy, and public engagement. Rather than being a drain on public resources, the spokesperson argued that hosting events within the Secretariat saves significant costs compared to arranging them at private venues or hotels, which would require substantial expenditure on logistics, security, and hospitality.
He further stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is increasingly being recognized as a gracious host province on the national and international stage. Over recent months, the province has welcomed delegations from international organizations, diplomats, athletes, and business leaders. According to the government, this exposure helps build a positive image of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a culturally rich and secure region, opening doors to investment, development partnerships, and tourism.
The spokesperson noted that the events held at the Secretariat are conducted with modest resources while still meeting international standards of hospitality. He framed this as a reflection of strategic planning and disciplined budgeting by the provincial government. Addressing criticism from opposition parties and sections of the media, the spokesperson said that the narrative being pushed is part of a broader campaign to undermine the province’s development and distract from its achievements.
He described such criticism as politically motivated, linking it to forces “imposed through Form 47” — a reference to allegations of rigging and manipulation in previous electoral processes. The spokesperson claimed that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have already rejected such political actors and will not accept any attempts to reverse their democratic mandate.
He also stressed that the province’s long-standing tradition of hospitality is not just symbolic but a vital part of its cultural identity. The statement expressed pride in welcoming guests from around the world, asserting that every event held is a reflection of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s values, heritage, and respect for visitors. Any attack on this tradition, the spokesperson said, is effectively an attack on the dignity and culture of the province.
The spokesperson reiterated that hospitality is non-negotiable for the people and government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The province remains committed to projecting a positive image of Pakistan to the world while managing its resources responsibly. Far from being wasteful, these events are framed as strategic engagements that serve diplomatic, economic, and cultural purposes.
It is to mentioning here that the people through social media platforms widely criticised the chief minister for the heavy bills in head of biscuits and tea. The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has come under public and political scrutiny over the apparent increase in official functions held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Peshawar.
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