STAFF REPORTER
PESHAWAR: A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Khan Gandapur was held via video link on Tuesday to review the progress of development projects under the District Development Plan (DDP) and District Development Initiative (DDI). The meeting conducted a detailed review of the financial and physical progress of ongoing projects in various districts and made several key decisions to accelerate development efforts. The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance Muzammil Aslam, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Additional Chief Secretaries Ikramullah and Muhammad Abid Majeed, along with senior officials from the Finance and Planning Departments. Officials briefed the Chief Minister on multiple aspects of the projects. The Chief Minister directed the immediate release of required funds to ensure timely completion of ongoing schemes under these programs. The meeting also discussed the Rapid Development Program of the merged districts. It was decided in principle to release Rs. 12 billion as bridge financing to expedite the pace of work on projects under the Accelerated Implementation Program (AIP). The Chief Minister instructed that this matter be placed before the Provincial Cabinet for final approval. Expressing concern over the non-release of AIP funds by the federal government, the Chief Minister demanded timely and full disbursement of development funds, stating that “funding projects in merged districts is the responsibility of the federal government, which it is failing to fulfill.” He said that delays in the release of funds are causing hardships for the people, and that the provincial government is utilizing its own resources to continue development in merged areas. The Chief Minister stressed that there will be no compromise on transparency, merit, or quality of work in development schemes. He directed relevant authorities to ensure timely completion and to enhance the monitoring system for effective oversight. He further emphasized the need for capacity building of institutions, digitalization of project processes, and efficient utilization of funds to avoid duplication and ensure transparent, merit-based implementation. The Chief Minister concluded that unnecessary delays in development projects are unacceptable and that all departments must work proactively to deliver results for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
