DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Thursday chaired the 24th meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Highways Council, approving key financial, administrative and welfare measures aimed at improving road infrastructure and institutional efficiency across the province.
According to an official statement issued here the meeting reviewed and approved matters relating to the budget of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Highways Authority, its Annual Maintenance Plan and other strategic institutional affairs.
The council sanctioned an increase in the Authority’s annual administrative and operational grant from Rs30 million to Rs40 million to enhance efficiency and align road maintenance systems with modern service delivery standards.
Directing authorities to allocate increased financial resources in the upcoming provincial budget, the chief minister emphasised inclusion of major development schemes to strengthen road connectivity. He said the Authority’s upcoming development programme would feature high-impact strategic projects with assured and timely funding for swift completion.
The meeting also approved an internship plan under the provincial internship policy. Afridi sanctioned a 20pc increase in internship seats, raising the number from 5,000 to 6,000, stating that the initiative aims to equip youth with practical experience and improve employability.
In a pro-business move, the chief minister directed that Right of Way charges should not be levied by the Highways Authority to promote ease of doing business and create an investment-friendly environment.
Participants also approved amendments to the Authority’s Service Regulations 2019 and agreed to strengthen frameworks governing retirement benefits and death compensation to improve employee welfare and social protection.
On social welfare, the meeting decided in principle to further refine and operationalise a financial assistance package for legal heirs of families whose head dies while undergoing treatment under the Sehat Insaf Card programme, aiming to ease hardships faced by dependents.
The chief minister also directed a feasibility study for the provincialisation of the Gul Abad–Sar Bala Road in Lower Dir district, reiterating that infrastructure development in remote areas remains a priority.
