DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Wednesday distributed interest-free loan cheques worth Rs81 million among 59 successful applicants under the provincial government’s flagship Mezban programme.
The cheques were distributed at a ceremony held at the Chief Minister House to mark the second phase of the programme, a handout said.
Officials informed the ceremony that during the first phase, interest-free loans amounting to Rs72 million had been provided to 36 beneficiaries.
Under the Mezban programme, local residents are being offered interest-free loans of up to Rs3 million to promote home-based tourist accommodation and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
The total cost of the programme is Rs395 million, with Rs200 million allocated in the current financial year’s budget. The initiative has been launched in Swat, Upper and Lower Dir, Upper and Lower Chitral, Abbottabad and Mansehra.
Addressing the ceremony, the Chief Minister said the provincial government was taking concrete steps to promote tourism in line with the vision of Imran Khan, which emphasizes investing in people to enable them to become economically self-reliant and contribute to national economic stability.
He described the Mezban programme as a practical manifestation of this vision.
He said the programme provides income-generating opportunities to residents of tourist districts while showcasing the province’s vast tourism potential.
He expressed hope that beneficiaries would play a key role in strengthening the tourism sector and stressed that tourists should be treated with warmth, respect and hospitality in accordance with acceptable standards.
The Chief Minister informed that 125 individuals had been selected under the scheme, of whom 89 had already received interest-free loans. He emphasized that the selection process was carried out strictly on merit, reiterating that merit and transparency remain the core principles of the provincial government.
Commenting on the political and economic situation, he said the public was facing hardships due to rising inflation following what he termed a regime change. He cited an IMF report indicating corruption amounting to Rs5,300 billion and expressed concern over the non-release of the province’s outstanding dues by the federal government. He said the province was being subjected to discriminatory treatment but added that he would continue to raise the issue of provincial rights at all forums.
Despite financial constraints, the Chief Minister said the provincial government remained committed to public welfare and was making effective use of available resources. He concluded by expressing confidence that sincere intentions and continued efforts would ultimately yield positive results.
