MARDAN: Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi on Sunday unveiled a development package of Rs50 billion for the Mardan district.
He announced the package during a public gathering at the Mardan Railway Ground, attended by a large number of members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Sharing details, Sohail Afridi said that Rs24 billion had been allocated for roads, bridges and flyovers; Rs6.2 billion for elementary education; Rs5.512 billion for health; Rs3 billion for irrigation and dams; Rs2 billion for solarisation of schools; Rs1 billion for other education projects and Rs5 billion for villages and union councils in tehsils, including Katlang, Rustam, Takht Bhai and Garhi Kapura.
The chief minister termed the worsening law and order situation in the province as the result of failed state policies. Afridi maintained that militants had been settled in the area, leading to the current situation. He said he had opposed military action in the past and supported the policy of party founder Imran Khan. “Imran Khan has been advocating negotiations since 2002, which has now been acknowledged globally in 2026,” he added.
The chief minister also announced that the next session of the provincial assembly would be held in an open ground instead of the assembly building. Protest activities would continue until Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were shifted to a hospital and allowed treatment by their own doctors under family supervision, he said.
The chief minister maintained that he would leave for Azad Jammu and Kashmir on the 25th in connection with the party’s foundation day and would visit Lahore on May 1.
On the economic front, the chief minister highlighted key macroeconomic trends, noting a decline in GDP growth from approximately 6 percent to around 2 to 2.5 percent, alongside a significant increase in public debt from Rs50 trillion to approximately Rs81 trillion, including an increase of Rs31 billion over the past three years. He added that a substantial rise in fuel prices, from approximately Rs150 per litre to over Rs360, contributed to inflationary pressures.
A resolution addressing public welfare, the rights of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, release of political detainees and restoration of the public mandate was presented at the gathering by Ali Asghar Khan, secretary general PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Member of the National Assembly.
The resolution was adopted unanimously by the participants. It noted that citizens across Pakistan are currently facing significant economic hardship. It highlighted that rising inflation has affected households nationwide, with increased electricity tariffs and billing placing additional financial strain, while load-shedding continues to disrupt daily life.
It further observed that fuel and energy prices have moved beyond the affordability threshold for many households, contributing to rising unemployment, agricultural distress and increased vulnerability among labor and lower-middle-income groups.
It called for the provision of immediate and comprehensive medical care to Imran Khan and his spouse, including unhindered access to family members and personal physicians, and the option of treatment at a facility of their choice.
In his remarks, Barrister Gohar said cases had been filed against Imran Khan and his wife. He added that the party appreciated dialogue and would continue to follow the directions of PTI chairman. He said strengthening democracy and parliament was not possible without the participation of a major political party.
Meanwhile, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai did not attend the gathering. According to PTI sources, he had already advised some party leaders not to participate. Despite repeated requests from Atif Khan, he declined to attend.
The sources said Achakzai was unhappy at not being taken into confidence regarding the rally’s date and venue.
