PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has directed the administration of the merged districts to ensure a significant and visible improvement in service delivery to the public within the next three months. Presiding over a high-level review meeting on peace, governance, and development programs in the merged districts, the Chief Minister emphasized that people must see clear and practical changes in the provision of services during this period.
Resumption of Development in North Waziristan
The Chief Minister instructed authorities to resume development activities in North Waziristan within one week and ensure the immediate provision of required officers and staff to prevent further delays in the development process. This directive aims to accelerate progress in the region, which has faced prolonged disruptions due to security concerns.
Education Sector Reforms
Afridi also directed special measures to bring out-of-school children into the education system, noting that special funds have been allocated for this purpose in the current financial year's budget. He ordered the urgent filling of teacher shortages in government schools across the merged districts on an emergency basis. According to officials, the education department has been tasked with identifying vacancies and initiating recruitment within weeks.
Healthcare Improvements
Regarding health services, the Chief Minister called for a fresh assessment of doctor shortages in hospitals in the merged districts and directed the recruitment of additional doctors as needed. The health department has been instructed to submit a detailed report on staffing gaps within 15 days.
Compensation for Zarb-e-Azb Victims
Afridi further instructed concerned officials to send formal communications to federal authorities for the early payment of outstanding compensation to victims of Operation Zarb-e-Azb. Highlighting the sacrifices of the merged districts, the Chief Minister said these areas have played a frontline role in the war against terrorism. He added that they are being given top priority in the provision of modern weapons and other essential equipment and gadgets.
