PESHAWAR, Oct 30 (APP):Advisor to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor on Information and Public Relations, Samar Haroon Bilour, Friday said that comprehensive measures are underway to introduce institutional reforms, improve governance, ensure transparency and strengthen public service delivery under the vision of a “Changing, Progressive and Stronger Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
Addressing a press conference at the Information Cell, Civil Secretariat, Peshawar, she said she would continue to keep the media informed about the activities, initiatives and progress of the Governor and the Advisory Council, fulfilling her commitment to maintaining regular communication with journalists.
She said following the tragic incident in Dir Colony, Peshawar, inspections were carried out across the province at public and private schools and madrassas.
During these inspections, 4,049 educational institutions were identified as requiring repair and rehabilitation.
A comprehensive plan is being formulated to address the situation.
Students enrolled in affected institutions will be accommodated in nearby government schools according to their respective grades, while a second shift will be introduced wherever necessary to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of their education.
Ms Bilour said the investigation into the Dir Colony incident had been completed and that a detailed report would be shared with the media shortly.
She added that a subcommittee was also examining the responsibilities of the relevant departments and Tehsil Municipal Administrations (TMAs) to identify any negligence in the inspection, approval and monitoring of buildings.
Regarding police reforms, she said eight modern armoured vehicles had been handed over to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police to enhance its operational capabilities.
She further said that a comprehensive plan to strengthen police infrastructure and improve operational capacity would be developed over the next five to six weeks.
Paying tribute to police personnel for their courage, commitment and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, she said providing them with modern equipment, adequate resources and improved facilities remained a government priority.
Clarifying the government’s position on the Sehat Card programme, Ms Bilour said that internal irregularities within the programme were being reviewed; however, there was no intention to discontinue or abolish it.
She said the performance and administrative structures of Medical Teaching Institutions (MTIs), along with the professional qualifications and merit of their board members, were also being evaluated.
She emphasised that appointments to key positions must be made strictly on the basis of professional competence and merit, rather than political affiliations, personal relationships or favouritism. She added that any proposed reforms would be guided by institutional performance and professional standards, not political victimisation.
Regarding the ongoing anti-encroachment campaign, Ms Bilour said that traffic congestion and drainage problems in Peshawar could not be effectively addressed without removing illegal encroachments from government land, green belts and drainage infrastructure.
She maintained that the operation was being carried out indiscriminately, without favour or discrimination on the basis of political affiliation, personal connections or recommendations.
She added that the KP government also planned to rehabilitate and beautify the cleared areas to make them more accessible and beneficial for the public.
Speaking about urban sanitation, she said the performance of urban sanitation services and the Water and Sanitation Services Company (WSSP) was improving, with sanitation teams continuing their work until late at night.
She said the removal of accumulated waste in Peshawar was underway, while a comprehensive waste collection plan was also being developed.
Measures were being considered to address shortages of manhole covers and dustbins and to ensure the long-term availability, maintenance and protection of these public facilities.
Highlighting initiatives for young people, Ms Bilour said the Zalmi Madrasa League had successfully concluded, while another positive initiative for the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would soon be announced in collaboration with Khyber TV.
On digital governance, she said Adviser on Legal Affairs Amir Javed had brought various institutions together on a common digital portal in accordance with their respective mandates and statutory responsibilities.
The portal had become operational and was designed to facilitate public access to institutional services and complaint redressal mechanisms through a single platform.
The participating institutions included the Auqaf, Hajj, Religious and Minority Affairs Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Commission, Human Rights Commission, Provincial Ombudsman, Right to Public Services Commission, Right to Information Commission, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment and Trade (KP-BIT), Provincial Assembly Secretariat, Directorate of Anti-Corruption, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, and Labour and Human Resource Department.
Discussing the political situation, Ms Bilour said Sohail Afridi remained in protective custody.
She added that available evidence relating to allegations of corruption involving billions of rupees was being compiled and that further details would be shared as the investigations progressed.
Responding to recent statements by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Ms Bilour described him as a senior and respected political leader. However, she observed that his recent statements appeared to reflect political dissatisfaction and frustration.
She further suggested that dissatisfaction over the absence of a desired political role in the existing technocratic setup could also be a factor behind Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s recent political stance.
Ms Bilour said the government welcomed constructive suggestions and guidance from the JUI-F chief and remained open to acknowledging and rectifying any shortcomings. However, she cautioned that the government’s patience should not be misconstrued as weakness.
She reiterated that the provincial government’s priority was to act responsibly, safeguard the interests of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and address issues through appropriate institutional mechanisms.
Concluding her remarks, Ms Bilour said the vision of a “Changing, Progressive and Stronger Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” was not merely a slogan but a firm commitment to improved governance, institutional reforms, transparency, accountability and effective public service delivery.
She reaffirmed that efforts would continue across all major sectors to translate this vision into tangible improvements in the lives of the people of the province.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
