PESHAWAR: A meeting at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Sunday reviewed and prioritized proposed initiatives for inclusion in the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2026-27.
Chaired by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, the meeting carried out a detailed review of new proposed schemes in health, agriculture, sports & youth affairs, and relief sectors.
Highlighting the health sector as a cornerstone of public welfare, the chief minister directed that the previously completed project for the provision of free medicines to underprivileged cancer patients be reinstated and expanded across the province to ensure timely and cost-free treatment for deserving patients.
He instructed officials to ensure the provision of required funds for the early completion of the Khyber Institute of Child Health Project and to formally approach the federal government for providing pending finances.
In view of the growing needs of urban populations, the chief minister directed the formulation of comprehensive rainwater and floodwater harvesting projects in major cities to restore the water table, address water scarcity, and maintain environmental balance.
On agriculture, the meeting reviewed proposals aligned with the objective of food self-sufficiency, including the formulation of a comprehensive, time-bound plan to enhance the production of wheat and other essential crops.
Proposed priority interventions include mechanization support for farmers, command area development of small dams, concessional financing for agriculture graduates, and targeted scholarship programmes to strengthen sectoral capacity.
Moreover, major health sector initiatives discussed in the meeting included the establishment of the Khan Institute of Organ Transplant in Peshawar, development of a Health City and General Hospital in Peshawar, construction of medical complexes in Malakand and Kohat, and establishment of breast cancer screening centers at five divisional headquarters.
Establishing oncology centre, burn and kidney centers in Mardan, and a clinical tower in Swabi to enhance healthcare facilities at the local level also came under discussion. The meeting emphasized the upgradation, revamping, and provision of essential facilities in Basic Health Units, Rural Health Centres, and Category-D hospitals to ensure quality healthcare services at the grassroots level.
In the sports and youth affairs sector, the chief minister directed that dedicated and high-quality facilities be provided for special children in major sports complexes.
Proposals for the establishment of youth centres in various districts, playgrounds at the tehsil level, and sports complexes in Upper South Waziristan, Mohmand, Chitral, and Battagram were also presented. The chief minister directed the introduction of special schemes to ensure effective implementation of the Provincial Youth Policy.
He emphasized that the upcoming budget will prioritize the welfare of youth, as well as low- and middle-income segments of society.
In the relief sector, proposals were presented to strengthen emergency services, including the establishment of Rescue 1122 sub-stations in remaining tehsils, rescue key points in densely populated areas, and a modern mobile command and control center.
Provincial cabinet members Khaliqueur Rehman and Aqibullah, administrative secretaries concerned attended the meeting.
