PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has opted to revoke the privileges and benefits extended to former chief ministers of the province.
“As a financially constrained country, we cannot afford to continue providing perks and privileges to former CMs. Hence, all such facilities, including security details and government vehicles, are being withdrawn,” stated Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, addressing reporters following the inaugural meeting of his cabinet at the Civil Secretariat on Friday.
In attendance at the meeting were cabinet members, the provincial chief secretary, additional chief secretaries, and administrative secretaries of various provincial departments.
Gandapur emphasized his government’s commitment to enhancing law and order and prioritizing relief efforts for those impacted by inflation.
“We are focused on delivering maximum relief to those affected by inflation,” he asserted.
Regarding the province’s outstanding dues from the federal government, Gandapur proposed that if the center cannot settle KP’s dues, it should subsidize power and gas expenses for the province, deducting the subsidy from the outstanding arrears.
The cabinet, in a bid to provide relief during Ramadan, approved an Rs 8.5 billion relief package, which includes cash assistance for 850,000 households registered under the Ehsaas-Benazir Income Support Programme, along with additional support for 115,000 households not covered by the program.
Additionally, the government has initiated the reactivation of all langar khanas established during the previous PTI government, and plans to set up dastarkhawans in district and tehsil headquarters hospitals during Ramadan.
Gandapur highlighted the government’s focus on generating employment opportunities, promoting youth skills development, and offering interest-free loans for entrepreneurship.
Restoration of the Sehat Card Plus scheme from the first day of Ramadan has been approved, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on citizens.
The CM stressed the importance of addressing corruption and bribery, urging public vigilance over development project quality.
Assurances were given regarding uninterrupted power supply during iftar and sehri times, with Gandapur urging citizens to report any deviations from this commitment.
