CM blames flawed policies for killing of Maulana Idrees, says citizens in KP paying heavy price
DLP Report
MANSEHRA
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Wednesday inaugurated and performed groundbreaking of 12 major development projects worth over Rs25 billion in Mansehra, while also announcing a Rs200 billion development package for Hazara Division.
He announced the package during a public gathering after inaugurating a series of projects aimed at improving healthcare, education, water supply, and public infrastructure in the district.
Key initiatives include the Rs18.5bn Mansehra Gravity Flow Water Supply Scheme, Rs2bn Institute of Allied Health Sciences, Rs1.8bn Achr Nala Dam, and the upgradation of Thakra Stadium at a cost of Rs1bn.
He also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for the upgradation of BHU Sandesar, establishment of Rescue Station Pano Dheri, a boys’ degree college, a cardiac catheterisation lab at King Abdullah Hospital, and allocation of land for a public graveyard. Additional projects include Kotkay Park, expansion of the Mansehra Water Supply Scheme, and operationalisation of Tehsil Tanawal.
Speaking to a charged public gathering, the chief minister said the government was pursuing a people-centric development agenda and that the projects would significantly improve access to clean drinking water, healthcare, education, emergency services, and sports facilities.
He added that strategic investments in human development and infrastructure were being prioritised to ensure sustainable and equitable progress across the province, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
Addressing the gathering, the chief minister announced a Rs200bn development package for Hazara Division, stating that Rs50bn would be allocated for tourism-related initiatives to boost infrastructure, promote sustainable tourism, and create employment opportunities.
He also announced the establishment of a medical college, nursing college, and a trauma centre in Mansehra, along with the Tanawal feeder and construction of the 15-kilometre Oghi Road to improve regional connectivity.
The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to operationalising Tanawal and Darband tehsils to enhance administrative efficiency and service delivery.
Expressing concern over the security situation, he referred to the recent killing of Maulana Muhammad Idrees and said the province had repeatedly suffered due to flawed policy decisions, with citizens paying a heavy price.
Commenting on the political situation, he alleged that the public mandate had been undermined and reaffirmed his loyalty to former prime minister Imran Khan, calling on party workers to remain united for the supremacy of the Constitution and restoration of democratic values.
He also expressed concern over restrictions on access to Imran Khan and his spouse, terming them violations of basic rights.
The chief minister said all constitutional avenues had been exhausted to secure a meeting with Imran Khan, adding that continued obstruction left limited democratic options.
The provincial government led by PTI stood with the people and his party leadership, he added and stated that political pressure would not force him to compromise on his principles.
