Cabinet approves mountain agriculture policy, outsourcing of select govt schools and colleges
DLP Report
PESHAWAR
In a major step to address the acute shortage of teaching staff in higher education institutions, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet has approved the recruitment of over 3,000 temporary lecturers for government colleges across the province.
The meeting of the cabinet was held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur. The meeting was attended by cabinet members, the chief secretary, additional chief secretaries, concerned administrative secretaries, and the advocate general.
Briefing the media on key decisions, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations, Barrister Dr. Saif, said the annual cost of the recruitments was estimated at Rs3 billion.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need to ensure transparency and merit in the recruitment process.
In a significant move, the cabinet declared the associate degree program equivalent to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree for employment purposes, making associate degree holders eligible for all jobs that previously required a BA degree.
The provincial cabinet also approved filing a legal challenge against the federal tax imposed on the transfer of immovable property, asserting that taxation on such matters falls within provincial jurisdiction.
To boost tourism, the cabinet approved a grant-in-aid of Rs 1 billion for the Galiyat Development Authority and other related bodies to enhance infrastructure, beautification, and cleanliness in tourist areas.
The cabinet further approved outsourcing select government schools and colleges on a pilot basis, specifically targeting institutions with low enrollment.
Dr. Saif clarified that this move would not affect the employment of existing teachers and that education in these institutions would remain free of charge, with all expenses covered by the provincial government.
To safeguard women’s inheritance rights, the cabinet approved the Women Property Rights Rules 2025 and also finalized the appointment of a new chairperson and members for the Women Commission.
The cabinet gave the green light for the creation of two new districts, Paharpur District and Upper Swat District, to improve administrative efficiency.
KP also became the first province in Pakistan to introduce a Mountain Agriculture Policy, aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture in high-altitude regions.
In addition, the cabinet approved the Pharmacy Services Policy, another first-of-its-kind initiative in the country.
In support of urban greenery, Rs 100 million was approved for tree plantation in Peshawar, and Rs 50 million for other divisional headquarters.
Special compensation was also approved for the families of martyrs from incidents in Bajaur, Tirah, Kurram, Wana, and other districts. Furthermore, Rs 4.5 million was sanctioned for the treatment of two patients suffering from cancer and bone marrow diseases.
The cabinet also approved grants-in-aid for various bar associations and sanctioned Rs 40 million for three non-governmental organizations working in health and special education sectors.
A grant-in-aid was also approved for the Water and Sanitation Services Company (WSSC) Haripur.
In another decision, the cabinet abolished right-of-way charges under the Right-of-Way Policy 2022.
Approval was also given for a non-ADP scheme to construct BS blocks for Federal Government educational institutions in Dera Ismail Khan, Peshawar, and Bannu.
Finally, the cabinet authorized deputy commissioners to utilize relief funds to provide transportation for Afghan nationals voluntarily returning to their country.
