Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi chaired a high-level review meeting at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar to assess progress on development initiatives, law and order, governance, public service delivery, and grievance redressal across Hazara Division. The meeting received detailed briefings on the implementation status of ongoing development projects, the overall security situation, governance reforms, service delivery performance, and institutional mechanisms for addressing public complaints.
Tourism Development and Khushhal Hazara Package
Underscoring the provincial government’s commitment to unlocking Hazara Division’s tourism potential, the Chief Minister directed relevant authorities to identify and develop new tourist destinations in Kolai-Palas and Allai. He noted that tourism promotion remains a strategic priority, highlighting that Rs500 million have been earmarked under the Khushhal Hazara Package specifically for tourism development projects. Afridi instructed all concerned departments to ensure high-quality facilities and hospitality for both domestic and international tourists, observing that tourists serve as ambassadors of the province’s positive image. He further directed the formulation of dedicated traffic management plans to facilitate smooth movement in major tourist destinations during peak seasons.
Boundary Dispute Resolution and Monsoon Preparedness
To address longstanding boundary issues, the Chief Minister directed the constitution of a commission to permanently resolve the boundary dispute relating to Chor Mali Valley and Baleej Valley between Kolai-Palas and Battagram districts, with instructions to initiate the necessary legal and administrative process without delay. The meeting also reviewed preparedness for the ongoing monsoon season. Afridi directed all concerned departments to remain on high alert and ensure immediate operationalization of contingency plans, emphasizing that comprehensive pre-emptive arrangements must be in place to effectively respond to any emergency situation.
Citizen-Centric Governance and Public Engagement
Highlighting the importance of citizen-centric governance, the Chief Minister directed district administrations to further strengthen public engagement mechanisms. He instructed that elected public representatives be actively involved in Khuli Kacheries and other community outreach initiatives to facilitate timely identification and resolution of citizens’ concerns. “We will measure our performance not through presentations, but through public satisfaction. The current fiscal year will be a year of peace, development and prosperity,” the Chief Minister remarked.
Security Enhancements and Development Progress
Referring to the provincial government’s security priorities, the Chief Minister said that the police budget has been enhanced to further strengthen law and order and improve public safety across the province. The meeting was informed that 139 development schemes are currently under implementation in Hazara Division under the Provincial Annual Development Programme (ADP), with a substantial proportion of allocated funds already utilized in accordance with implementation schedules. Participants were further informed that 1,879 out of 2,111 complaints registered through the Pakistan Citizen Portal have been successfully resolved. Under the provincial government’s Open Door Policy, divisional and district administrations have conducted more than 100 Khuli Kacheries to strengthen direct engagement with citizens.
Implementation Directives and Attendees
The Chief Minister directed all concerned departments to ensure timely, effective, and accountable implementation of the decisions taken and instructions issued during the meeting. He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to delivering responsive governance, efficient public services, sustainable development, and a peaceful environment through optimal utilization of all available resources. The meeting was attended by the Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, elected representatives from Hazara Division, the Chief Secretary, the Inspector General of Police, and other senior officers.
