The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Cabinet has approved the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Policy 2026, along with other key measures to strengthen healthcare and improve motor vehicle registration. The decisions were announced during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
Chief Minister's Remarks on Freedom of Expression
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur emphasized that Imran Khan has always promoted freedom of expression and wanted journalists to criticize openly wherever they deemed it necessary. He stated, "Criticism is made on me and the government as well. Various journalists keep criticizing the government and some black channels also continue misleading propaganda against the government. However, the K-P government has never taken any illegal action against anyone." He added that even if someone spreads false propaganda, the government takes legal action only through the courts.
Comparison with Other Provinces
Gandapur highlighted that while incidents of enforced disappearances, violence, and harassment of opposition journalists occur in other provinces, such tactics are not adopted in K-P. He noted that the current provincial Assembly is the only assembly in Pakistan born out of a genuine public mandate, and therefore, public opinion and public interest will be given priority in every decision.
Cabinet Decisions Announced
Briefing the media on the cabinet decisions, Information and Public Relations Minister Shafi Jan announced that the provincial cabinet has approved the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Policy 2026, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Occupational Safety and Health Rules 2026, and amendments to the Provincial Motor Vehicles Ordinance 1965 and Provincial Motor Vehicles Rules 1969 to make the personal registration number system more efficient and effective.
Key Features of Health Policy 2026
The new Health Policy aims to transform K-P into a healthy province where every citizen, without discrimination, has access to quality healthcare facilities. This will improve public health, create a healthier society, and promote collective prosperity. Key features of the policy include better medical services, sustainable financial resources, modern technology, digital systems, trained medical staff, evidence-based decisions, and effective partnerships. Special focus will be placed on transparency, accountability, and effective monitoring in the health sector, including strengthening of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Care Commission. The policy also introduces effective performance evaluation, digital reporting, and monitoring systems.
Motor Vehicle Registration Amendments
The amendments to the Provincial Motor Vehicles Ordinance 1965 and Rules 1969 aim to make the personal registration number system more efficient and effective. These changes are expected to streamline vehicle registration processes and improve service delivery to citizens.
