In a significant push for administrative reform, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has issued a series of firm policy directives aimed at bolstering good governance, transparency, and the adoption of modern technology across all provincial departments. Chairing the 41st Provincial Cabinet meeting via video link from Peshawar, the CM provided a clear roadmap for the provincial government's operational future.
Digital Shift and Merit-Based Reforms
Chief Minister Afridi emphasized that a clear roadmap for good governance is already in place, with a strong focus on promoting transparency and digitalization. He directed all officials to prioritize online participation in official meetings, stating that this shift would not only conserve valuable time but also lead to a significant reduction in government expenditures.
In a major move to ensure institutional transparency and merit, the CM announced that all recruitments in provincial government departments, autonomous, and semi-autonomous bodies will now be conducted strictly through the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA). He explicitly stated that no recruitment would be carried out through any private testing agency henceforth.
Strong Condemnation and Political Stance
The Chief Minister used the platform to launch a sharp critique of a recent press conference held by federal ministers, terming it "inhuman, immoral, and unconstitutional." He asserted that such behavior was equivalent to deliberately provoking the public and destabilizing the political situation.
Extending his criticism to the treatment of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership, CM Afridi stated that PTI leader Imran Khan and his wife were being subjected to solitary confinement, a practice his government strongly condemns. He reiterated that Imran Khan is a leader of the entire nation, while his wife is a non-political and modest woman, and any form of mistreatment is utterly unacceptable.
Key Cabinet Decisions and Approvals
The cabinet, attended by members, the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretaries, and the Advocate General, took several crucial decisions. Special Assistant to the CM for Information, Shafi Jan, briefed on the details following the meeting.
A special grant of Rs 150 million was approved for the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) to bolster its operational capabilities. The cabinet also decided that politically motivated cases registered on May 9 and 10 without credible evidence would be withdrawn.
In other significant approvals, the cabinet nominated mill representatives for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sugarcane and Sugar Beet Control Board for 2025–26. It also authorized a previously notified committee to take necessary steps for additional wheat procurement as needed, following a detailed briefing on wheat stocks and inter-provincial movement.
Financial assistance was approved for two patients undergoing kidney and bone marrow transplants. Furthermore, the release of funds under the District Development Plan and District Development Initiatives was granted to ensure the timely completion of ongoing projects.
Addressing Regional and National Concerns
Chief Minister Afridi raised critical issues concerning the province's rights and humanitarian crises. Referring to the recent National Finance Commission (NFC) meeting, he noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's case was presented vehemently and received support from all participants. He highlighted the continued denial of the due Rs 1,375 billion share for the merged districts in the NFC Award over past years as a grave injustice.
Expressing deep concern over the 55-day closure of the Torkham Border, the CM stated that truck drivers, along with men, women, children, and the elderly, were severely affected. He directed the district administration of Khyber to immediately ensure the provision of food, shelter, and all essential facilities to the stranded people.
For the security of civil officers, the CM directed that bulletproof vehicles be provided on a priority basis, especially to district administration officials, and instructed that all procurement hurdles be removed without delay.
Referred Matters and Committee Work
The cabinet also referred several complex matters to specialized committees for further deliberation. After the division of South Waziristan into two districts, the redistribution of reserved seats for students from these areas in medical and dental colleges was sent to a cabinet committee for consultation, with recommendations expected in the next meeting.
Similarly, the new Posting and Transfer Policy was referred to a cabinet committee for an additional review. The inquiry into the Radio Pakistan Peshawar incident was also handed over to a Special Committee of the Provincial Assembly.
The cabinet endorsed the implementation of recommendations from the committee tasked with proposing measures following the repeal of the Action in Aid of Civil Powers law.
