Islamabad:Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the finalization of a development and security package worth Rs160 billion for the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The announcement was made during a meeting of the Federal Cabinet.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister emphasized that peace and security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are of utmost importance. He reaffirmed his commitment to eliminating terrorism in the province through collaboration among the armed forces, the new provincial setup, and the Federal Government.
Prime Minister Sharif also discussed efforts to promote peace in the region, highlighting recent visits by a Pakistani delegation to Tehran aimed at reducing regional tensions and enhancing cooperation. He noted the impact of these efforts on fuel prices, stating that a Rs15 per litre burden on petrol has not been passed on to consumers due to engagements with refineries.
The Prime Minister mentioned the ongoing successful implementation of a fuel subsidy scheme, benefiting 15 million people with an expenditure of Rs28 billion. He assured that the scheme would continue until the end of the next month.
Additionally, the Prime Minister announced a new mechanism to ensure transparency in the supply and distribution of LPG, ending the era of the LPG mafia. He committed to ensuring the supply of LNG, LPG, and other energy sources during winter, despite challenges to shipping routes and rising energy prices.
The Federal Cabinet also approved the temporary transfer of administrative powers from the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the Governor during the emergency period. The Governor is required to submit a monthly review report to the Federal Cabinet. The Cabinet expressed hope that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Advisory Council, under the Governor's leadership, will work towards the welfare of the people and the restoration of law and order.
In other decisions, the Cabinet ratified a Defence Cooperation Agreement between Pakistan and Kuwait and approved new designs for currency notes, incorporating enhanced security features. It also approved the introduction of a ten-rupee coin to replace the existing banknote.