Report By CBN247:
MARDAN – Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, on Monday reiterated his commitment to delivering basic services to the public at their doorstep, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to ensure healthcare in hospitals, education in schools, and facilities in offices.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Benazir Bhutto Children’s Hospital at Mardan Medical Complex, CM Gandapur stated, “A hospital is not just a building — it is a place where healthcare services must be available.”
The ceremony was also addressed by Provincial Health Advisor Ehtesham Khan, Provincial Food Minister Zahoor Shah Toru, and MNA Ali Mohammad Khan.
The Chief Minister said that, in line with the vision of the PTI founder, significant efforts had been made to develop Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which he described as the richest province in the country. “In the past 13 months, we haven’t taken a single rupee in loans, and instead have repaid Rs. 50 billion in debt,” he noted, adding that reforms had led to the recovery of funds that were previously lost in the system.
He stressed the importance of self-reliance, stating, “Nations dependent on debt can neither be sovereign nor dignified.”
Referring to fiscal matters, Gandapur claimed that the province is entitled to an additional Rs. 256 billion annually under the NFC (National Finance Commission) award, which it is yet to receive. However, he affirmed that the provincial government is actively and effectively fighting for its rights and is close to securing them.
The Chief Minister announced the completion of long-delayed development projects and pledged that major new projects would be included in the Annual Development Program (ADP). He further revealed that each lawmaker would be allocated Rs. 500 million for small-scale development initiatives, while every constituency would receive Rs. 2 billion in development funds in the upcoming budget.
Later, Gandapur also inaugurated the upgradation project of the Mardan Sports Complex.
During his visit to the Commissioner’s Office, he administered the oath to the newly elected office-bearers of the Mardan Press Club and assured the journalist community that their issues would be addressed.
Speaking to the media afterward, CM Gandapur commented on internal party matters, saying, “Differences exist everywhere — it is the beauty of democracy. Even the strongest relationship, like that of a husband and wife, experiences disagreements.” He emphasized that freedom of opinion is a cornerstone of democracy and expressed satisfaction over his efforts for the release of the PTI founder, noting that the PTI founder was also fully satisfied with those efforts.
In response to another question, Gandapur said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is self-sufficient in mineral resources. “We are improving the mining system and will not tolerate illegal mining,” he warned, adding that any illegal machinery would be confiscated. A new policy for minerals would be formulated through committees comprising local stakeholders, and authority would not be concentrated in the hands of a few.
Concluding his remarks, the Chief Minister criticized those spreading lies and propaganda, calling them self-interested actors whose malicious plans would not succeed.
