Swat, January 2025 – A seminar on Solid Waste Management (SWM), organised under the Oxford Policy Management’s Sub-National Governance (SNG) Programme, brought together key stakeholders to review innovative practices in SWM and chart future directions. The event, attended by Chief Guest Muzzammil Aslam, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Finance, and other distinguished speakers, showcased the transformative outcomes of pilot projects in Babuzai and Bahrain Tehsils.
In his address, the Chief Guest, Mr Muzzammil Aslam praised the success of the SWM pilots as exemplary models for other districts. He highlighted the importance of Carbon Credits and Carbon Markets in fostering sustainable development and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to scaling this approach across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He also emphasised the integration of climate resilience into governance frameworks and the potential for recycling-based industries to enhance Own Source Revenue (OSR).
Commissioner Malakand Division, Mr Muhammad Abid Khan, commended the technical assistance provided by the SNG Programme and the efforts of TMA Bahrain. He expressed a strong desire to extend this project across the entire Malakand Division starting from district DIR lower and Malakand.
Dr Vaqar Ahmad, Senior Governance Advisor for the SNG Programme, underscored the scalability of these pilots, emphasising the importance of cost recovery mechanisms and the provincial government’s plans to allocate funds for similar initiatives in Haripur and Mansehra.
Jo Moir, Development Director at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), applauded the SNG Programme’s problem-driven, iterative approach, which has led to improved service delivery, cost recovery, and citizen satisfaction. She stressed the need for institutionalising these practices to ensure long-term sustainability.
Dr Raheal A. Siddiqui, Provincial Team Lead for the SNG Programme, highlighted the critical role of evidence-based policymaking and strategic collaboration in driving lasting reforms. He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and reiterated the programme’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and enhanced service delivery.
The seminar concluded with a collective call to expand and sustain these reforms, ensuring their benefits reach communities across the province.
