Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced Rs160 billion in federal funding for development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), pledging additional support to improve security and combat terrorism across the province. The announcement came during a meeting in Peshawar on Thursday with a development council comprising representatives of the merged tribal districts and tribal elders. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also attended the meeting. Shehbaz said the government had taken important decisions to accelerate development work, improve law enforcement and strengthen counterterrorism efforts. He directed officials to speed up delayed projects and enhance police capabilities. Tribal representatives thanked the prime minister for giving special attention to the province’s challenges. They said residents had faced difficulties for 13 years and pledged their cooperation in efforts to improve the situation. The elders also expressed relief and distributed sweets. Addressing the gathering, Shehbaz praised tribal communities for their longstanding support for Pakistan and their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He said residents had endured significant hardships but remained committed to the country. Naval Golf Cup: Pakistan Navy opens 19th amateur championship in Islamabad The prime minister stressed that restoring peace in the tribal districts was essential for sustainable development. He pledged federal assistance for development initiatives and security arrangements, adding that public funds must be used to promote prosperity and improve living standards. Shehbaz also said a 40-member elected tribal council would be given full authority, with the federal government supporting development activities and access to justice in the tribal areas. On security, the prime minister pledged to provide the resources required to fight terrorism. He called for better police training and operational capacity and directed officials to make the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) more effective. He said weaknesses had emerged in security operations and police performance in KP over the past 13 years. He also instructed law enforcement agencies to respond promptly to theft and robbery cases and ensure the arrest of suspects. The government would also accelerate the completion of Safe City projects to strengthen surveillance and security infrastructure, Shehbaz said. He directed officials to speed up development schemes that had fallen behind schedule. The prime minister further pledged to ensure adequate wheat supplies for KP and warned against hoarding that could disrupt availability. Shehbaz also raised concerns about alleged corruption in the province, claiming that irregularities in development schemes had deprived KP of public resources. He alleged that a Rs100 billion scandal involved drinking water projects, while a separate fraud case in Kohistan involved Rs37 billion. He said measures would be taken to prevent the alleged misuse of public funds. Post navigation Marco Rubio US says ties with Pakistan remain important to Washington
