A meeting of the provincial cabinet, chaired by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister (CM) Muhammad Sohail Afridi, was held here on Friday.
In the meeting, important decisions were made regarding the future direction of the provincial government, policy guidelines, law and order, legislation and governance reforms.
Speaking at a press conference regarding the cabinet decisions, Shafi Jan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Information and Public Relations, said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial cabinet had made numerous decisions concerning governance reforms, development and welfare initiatives, financial matters and legislation.
He said the CM thanked all political parties who participated in the peace jirga the previous day, saying that political differences aside, peace is a shared goal for everyone.
Directing practical progress on all resolutions passed by the provincial assembly, he termed the abolition of “Action in Aid of Civil Powers” an essential requirement of fundamental human rights.
A commission was also announced to investigate the Radio Pakistan attack case. The commission will gather all evidence, including CCTV footage, and submit its report to the cabinet.
The CM declared the establishment of an interest-free Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the introduction of Islamic investment models, a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, a ban on personal publicity using government funds, and transparency and merit-based decision-making as key priorities of his government.
He made it clear that all government actions would be taken in consultation with elected representatives and based on public interest. All laws would be reviewed to identify shortcomings and propose necessary amendments.
The meeting was attended by cabinet members, the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretaries, the Senior Member Board of Revenue, administrative secretaries, and the Advocate General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Shafi Jan said the province’s affairs would be run on merit, with transparency and zero tolerance for corruption, and in consultation with elected public representatives. He added that public tax money would be spent solely for public welfare, not personal publicity.
In the first and overall 40th provincial cabinet meeting, chaired by CM Sohail Afridi, which lasted six hours, more than 50 important decisions were made.
Shafi Jan said the cabinet approved the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Witness Protection Rules 2025 to ensure the protection of witnesses and strengthen related measures.
These rules are being introduced under the Witness Protection Act 2021 for witnesses involved in sensitive cases, investigations, prosecutions, or judicial proceedings.
Additionally, amendments to the Arms Rules 2014 were approved, as well as the recruitment of family members of martyred personnel under the Shuhada Policy.
In the energy and hydropower sector, the cabinet approved the release of 500 million rupees for the KP Transmission and Grid System Company.
Approval was also granted for land acquisition for the Madain Hydropower Project, an important part of the provincial government’s vision to expand energy production and transmission infrastructure.
The cabinet also approved financial assistance for the expensive medical treatment of three poor patients, including one requiring a transplant.
It approved the installation of an HVAC system at the Peshawar Museum and a scheme for sewage infrastructure at tourist sites.
In the sports sector, the cabinet approved a special grant of 27.7 million rupees for the winners of the Shandur Polo Festival and financial assistance of 2 million rupees for boxer Khan Saeed Afridi.
The cabinet also approved the Child Labour Action Plan (2025-29), under which approximately 745,000 working children in the province would be brought into schools over five years. He noted that child labour rates are highest in the Bannu Division and Upper Dir District.
The cabinet also approved a Relief Support Fund for displaced families of North Waziristan, allocating 4 billion rupees for their assistance.
The provincial government, however, was allocating its own funds because “they are our people, and taking care of them is our responsibility,” though the province would continue reminding the federation of its duty.
Funds were also approved for road improvements in South Waziristan and Swat. Special Assistant Shafi Jan said the cabinet approved a historic fund of 6.185 billion rupees to address missing facilities in schools, of which 1.2 billion rupees would be released immediately.