DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Industries, Abdul Karim Tordher, has said that the proposed Mines and Minerals Bill 2025 is currently under consideration in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, and all members have the right to suggest amendments. He emphasized that the government was open to incorporating useful and constructive suggestions from assembly members. Speaking as chief guest at the “Young Leaders Parliament” meeting held at the District Assembly Hall Peshawar on Wednesday, Tordher stated that the final shape of the bill would be guided by party directives.
He also criticized the federal government for not providing KP its due share under the National Finance Commission (NFC), highlighting that following the merger of the tribal districts, the province’s share had increased by 4.8 percent—equivalent to Rs 160 billion annually.
Addressing broader economic challenges, Tordher noted that while there were vast investment opportunities in the province, foreign investors continue to face difficulties in obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs), which he termed a major hurdle.
The Special Assistant said the provincial government is prioritizing the development and utilization of young people’s talents. “The youth are our future, and several mega projects have been launched to provide decent employment opportunities to them,” he said. Rs 3 billion interest-free loan scheme under the social welfare sector, benefiting widows, women, persons with disabilities, and the transgender community, he said. Tordher also announced a Rs 3 billion home-based tourism project, which allows locals to upgrade two rooms in their homes for tourist accommodation, helping them generate sustainable income through tourism.
He said that the government has reactivated the previously suspended health card project, now valued at Rs 20 billion. He noted that the province’s revenue had increased by 55 percent without introducing any new taxes. Moreover, Rs 35 billion was returned to the pension fund, a Debt Management Cell with Rs 50 billion has been set up, and Rs 161 billion has been secured in IMF surplus funds. Additionally, Rs 10 billion has been added to the Annual Development Program (ADP), accelerating the province’s development agenda. Calling the “Young Leaders Parliament” a vital platform for leadership and economic development, he praised the role of its members and urged youth and women to engage in entrepreneurship and budget discussions. “They should act as watchdogs and share their feedback with the government so that their priorities can be reflected in policy making,” he added.
