Regional Development Secretariat: Funds pledged for development of 12 KP districts

The federal government has decided to ensure the immediate availability of development funds for 12 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to accelerate development, improve public services and help establish lasting peace in the region.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Regional Development Secretariat, chaired by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Peshawar, according to an official statement.
The meeting was attended by the Peshawar corps commander, additional chief secretary, members of the Regional Development Secretariat and other senior civil and military officials.
The forum reviewed the law and order situation, development needs and public grievances in the merged districts, as well as Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan. It stressed the need for the timely release and transparent utilisation of development funds to ensure the completion of ongoing projects.
The meeting acknowledged the importance of public participation in eliminating terrorism and establishing sustainable peace. It was decided that the federal government, in coordination with the provincial government, would take effective measures to improve public welfare, provide basic facilities and raise living standards in the 12 districts.
Participants reviewed the progress of ongoing development projects and emphasised the need to complete them within the stipulated time. They also discussed the immediate availability, timely release and effective utilisation of federal development funds.
The meeting was informed that development planning and the allocation of resources would take into account local needs and public priorities, along with proposals from council representatives and local elders.
The forum also discussed practical measures to address unemployment, create job opportunities for young people and strengthen local economies. It stressed the importance of providing vocational and skills training to young people and connecting them with better employment opportunities.
Improving access to quality education and healthcare was another key area of discussion. Participants reviewed proposals for upgrading educational institutions and strengthening the capacity of hospitals and basic health units in the districts.
The federal government reiterated its commitment to improving public welfare, addressing the sense of deprivation in the 12 districts and accelerating their development in coordination with the provincial government, the statement added.