Committee to be formed to look into tribal issues: PM Imran
New local system introduced by PTI government is similar to old tribal systems: PM Imran
PESHAWAR (Dunya News) - Prime Minister Imran Khan has reiterated that tribal culture, traditions and way of living will remain preserved even after merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.The premier expressed that a committee would be formed to oversee the issues faced by tribal people.
Addressing elders of now merged FATA districts in Peshawar on Saturday, he said before war on terror the system of tribal areas was working smoothly and people would get justice. He said the new system will work in parallel with the old system.
Imran Khan said alternate dispute resolution system worked well in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the last five years and it will also be implemented in merged tribal districts.
He said the local government system is also close to the older system that worked in tribal areas for a long time. He said every village will be provided funds and people will be empowered at the grass root level.
The Prime Minister said with the increased number of seats, the people of tribal areas will get more representation in both federal and provincial governments.
He said the tribal people have given huge sacrifices for the peace in motherland and all their issues will be resolved. The Prime Minister appreciated the role of tribal elders and leaders and said they preserved peace in their areas.
Earlier, PM Imran arrived in Peshawar on a brief visit to meet the provincial leadership. On his arrival at the Governor House, the prime minister was received by Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shah Farman, Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shah Farman and Chief Minister Mahmood Khan called on the Prime Minister Imran Khan in Peshawar. They discussed matters relating to development of the province with Imran Khan.
The Prime Minister stressed the need for completion of all developmental schemes especially in tribal districts.
Fundraiser for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital
Prime Minister Imran Khan says Pakistanis are generous people who spend with open heart on philanthropic activities.
Addressing a fundraiser for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital in Peshawar tonight, he said our people are God fearing and strongly believe in the life hereafter.
The Prime Minister said treatment of cancer is so expensive that 90% patients are not able to afford it. He said with this view in mind he thought of establishing a cancer hospital that provided free treatment to poor patients.
Imran Khan said he was discouraged in his mission to establish a cancer hospital but this did not dissuade him. He said the hospital became reality and today it is providing free of cost treatment to 75 percent patients.
The Prime Minister said he had only 10 million rupees out of required 750 million required when he started his mission. With the grace of God, the project was accomplished successfully due to generous support from people. He said the donations received by the Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospitals are increasing with every passing year.
The Prime Minister said the SKMH in Peshawar is offering state of the art treatment facilities to cancer patients which are unparalleled in the whole area. He said the hospital is already offering chemotherapy and radiation while surgery will also start soon.
KP cabinet meeting
Prime Minister Imran Khan directed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet to ensure price control of eatables in the province and against the hoarders immediately.
In a meeting with the members of the provincial cabinet during his brief visit to Peshawar, the prime minister asked the provincial government to monitor the prices on daily basis for common man’s relief, saying that protection of masses’ rights was the government’s priority.
The meeting also offered Fateha for the departed soul of the father of Advisor to KP Chief Minister Ajmal Wazir.
Briefing the prime minister about the distribution of Sehat Insaf Card in the merged tribal areas, the chief secretary KP said the national identity cards would be considered as health insurance cards for six months to ensure provision of healthcare without any delay.
He also apprised the meeting about the pace of annual development works in the merged areas and provision of the required funding.
Referring to the prevailing condition of the national economy, the prime minister said from the very first day he had been hinting at tough days ahead as the government had inherited a record fiscal deficit.
He said the brotherly countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE and China had extended urgent assistance to provide a breathing space to the economy and the government was thankful for their gesture.
He hoped that the situation would soon improve with the increase in exports and remittances. Moreover, the foreign investment would also go up consequent to the government’s ongoing measures.
The prime minister told the meeting that the government’s poverty alleviation program ‘Ihsas’ would create a social safety network. For this program, the government would enhance its package from Rs 100 billion to Rs 180 billion to ensure its outreach to every poor.
He said the government would also launch business loans scheme for the youth as another step towards the country’s development.
The prime minister instructed the KP cabinet to exploit the potential of tourism in the province and enhance their coordination with the federal government to create jobs and training opportunities for the people in tourism sector.
He also directed for formulation of a well coordinated strategy to promote information technology and vocational training in the province.
