Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Monday warned those responsible for making false cases against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan to be ready for accountability.
In his speech at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, he addressed the acquittal of the founding PTI chairman from the Cipher case, warning those responsible for false allegations to prepare for accountability.
The chief minister underscored the need for justice and transparency, calling for the Commission’s report to be made public. “The one who took the name of opening is being called a traitor. People are not fools now,” he remarked, urging the government to own up to past mistakes and avoid making new ones.
Highlighting the sacrifices of the tribal regions, the KP CM demanded that their resources and rights be duly recognised. He promised that no requests from the merged districts would go unheard, warning that failure to meet their demands would lead to significant action.
“The tribes have sacrificed for this country, but their resources are not being given. They played their role in every difficult time, now they have to be given rights,” he asserted.
Gandapur announced several key initiatives aimed at improving the province’s infrastructure and welfare. The health card amount will be increased to Rs 36 billion, with treatment facilities enhanced from Rs 1 million to Rs 2 million.
He also pledged the completion of 500 long-standing development projects this year, emphasizing that development would not be limited to ceremonial plaques but would occur in consultation with local representatives.
The Chief Minister criticised the federal government for cutting the education budget and warned of a strong reaction if development projects were halted. “If the federation stops the development project of the province, it will not leave. The reaction will come and then it will come in a proper way,” he warned.
He outlined a robust plan to support the youth of the province, earmarking Rs 15 billion for easy loans and skill development. He also announced a solarisation initiative to combat energy shortages, offering free solar facilities to poor residents in load shedding affected areas and subsidised rates for others. Government offices and residences will also be solarised to reduce energy costs.
In a move to ensure transparency and efficiency, Gandapur announced that government offices would reduce their electricity bills by 20% under an austerity campaign. He also pledged to strengthen the police and security forces, stressing the need for federal funds to enhance security measures.
Addressing corruption, he vowed to end bribery and implement stringent laws against drug abuse. He also committed to providing five marla plots to the families of martyrs.
The KP CM thanked everyone for their budget proposals and assured the implementation of members' suggestions. He criticized the federal government for withholding the province's rightful funds and pledged to fight for their dues.
“The net profit of electricity has reached Rs 90 billion, which we are not getting. Federation is not giving us our rights. We all have to raise our voice for this together,” he declared.
