Decides to deduct a day’s salary of employees for relief of Syria, Turkiye
Khyber Pakthunkhwa Caretaker Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan, while chairing the first meeting of the caretaker cabinet of KP government, on Thursday said holding of free, fair, transparent, and peaceful election in the province was the top priority of his government. He said the mandate of the caretaker government was clearly defined in the constitution and his government would fulfill all constitutional and legal responsibilities and obligations in that regard. He said the focus was being made on the improvement of law and order situation in the province for elections and reiterated to strictly observe austerity measures in the wake of financial problems in the province.
Every possible facility would be provided to people during the holy month of Ramazan and sasta bazaars (cheap markets) would be established besides taking concrete measures to control inflation and price-hike. The CM directed the authorities concerned to ensure justified flour distribution at the government’s subsidized rate to people. He stressed the need for ensuring wheat stock availability in the province during Ramazan. Meeting decided to deduct a day’s salary from employees of grade 17 and above including autonomous institutions and cabinet members for relief of earthquake victims of Syria and Turkiye.
He said this while presiding over the first meeting of the caretaker provincial cabinet that was also attended by caretaker cabinet members, the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary and administrative secretaries of the relevant departments. He said that the mandate of the caretaker government is clearly stated in Election Act and caretaker government would remain committed to its constitutional and legal responsibilities. He said that in view of the financial difficulties faced by the province, the caretaker provincial government would strictly follow an austerity policy and judicious use of available resources.
Muhammad Azam Khan said Sasta Bazaars would be established in Ramazan besides measures to control the prices of food items. He also directed authorities to ensure the fair distribution of government flour across the province and to ensure availability of wheat stocks in the province during Ramadan. The cabinet also decided to send 20,000 quilts to earthquake victims directing Finance Department to release Rs.50 million for the purpose. The cabinet further decided that medical and rescue teams would also be sent to Turkiye, if required.
The Caretaker Provincial Cabinet also approved the provision of 6 kanals of government land to the Intelligence Bureau at cost for setting up an Intelligence Bureau office in Upper Chitral district, ex-post facto sanction to notification of Task Force for Diamer Bhasha Dam Project with special powers to appoint members of various security agencies including Pakistan Army and other institutions for the protection of Diamer Bhasha Dam Project and the local and foreign workers working in it.
