The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) cabinet, in its 41st meeting, was chaired by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi via video link and condemned the national political victimisation of party workers and leaders.
The cabinet decided to refer the inquiry into the Radio Pakistan Peshawar incident related to the May 9, 2023, riots to a Special Committee of the Provincial Assembly. This was for a thorough examination. The CM condemned a recent press conference by federal ministers. He called it “inhuman, immoral, and unconstitutional” and an act that deliberately provokes the public.
Chief Minister Afridi strongly objected to the treatment of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. He stated that the provincial government condemns their solitary confinement. He reaffirmed that Imran Khan serves as a leader of the entire nation. Moreover, he emphasised that his wife is a non-political person, making any mistreatment of her unacceptable.
The CM issued firm directives to strengthen governance, transparency, and technology use:
- Recruitment Reform: All recruitment in provincial departments and autonomous bodies will be conducted strictly through the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA). This bans the use of private testing agencies to ensure merit.
- Digital Transformation: Officials must prioritise online participation in meetings to save time and significantly reduce government expenditures.
- Security for Officers: Bulletproof vehicles are to be provided on priority to civil officers, especially in district administrations.
The CM highlighted critical issues facing the province:
- NFC Award: He stated that KP’s case was presented forcefully at the NFC meeting. He emphasised the continued denial of the Rs 1,375 billion share for the merged districts as a “grave injustice.”
- Torkham Border Closure: Expressing deep concern over the 55-day closure, he directed the Khyber administration to immediately provide food, shelter, and essential facilities. These were for affected families and truck drivers.
Briefing the media, Special Assistant to the CM Shafi Ullah Jan listed other key decisions, including finalising the distribution formula for reserved seats for students from merged districts in medical colleges. They also included reviewing a new posting and transfer policy, forming the KP Sugarcane and Sugar Beet Board. Additionally, approving a Rs 150 million special grant for the Counter-Terrorism Department. The cabinet also endorsed measures following the repeal of the Action in Aid of Civil Powers law.
