Latest news with #AnnualDevelopmentProgram
Express Tribune
21-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Gandapur links tech jobs to certification
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Wednesday directed a series of measures to revamp technical and vocational education in the province, linking future government recruitment of technical personnel to certified qualifications. He also urged accelerated progress on economic zones to boost industrial activity. Presiding over a key review meeting on the Annual Development Program (ADP) at the Chief Minister's Secretariat, the chief minister assessed the progress of projects under the Industries Department. The meeting was attended by relevant cabinet members, the additional chief secretary for planning, concerned administrative secretaries and other officials. The chief minister directed the authorities to pay special attention to the technical and vocational education sector, saying that substantial investment was required to provide employment opportunities for the youth. He instructed that the existing technical training system be aligned with the demands of national and international job markets. He also directed the establishment of an endowment fund to provide scholarships to students in the field of technical education. In order to enable youth to secure employment in international job markets, the chief minister ordered work on the international certification of technical training programs. He also directed the launch of programs for the availability of master trainers to ensure the provision of quality technical training. Furthermore, he instructed that the linkages between technical training institutions and local industries be strengthened and improved. The chief minister made it clear that technical certification should be mandatory for the recruitment of technical staff in government departments. "No technical personnelsuch as plumbers, electricians, or driversshould be recruited without a recognised certificate," he said. "Hiring unqualified candidates for technical positions is a violation of the rights of certified individuals," he said, adding that all departments must amend relevant rules and regulations for this purpose. He warned that violations will result in action against the responsible officials. The chief minister also emphasised special attention to projects for economic and industrial zones to promote industrial and commercial activities in the province. He directed authorities to accelerate the pace of work on ongoing projects for establishing economic and industrial zones, and to propose new projects at suitable locations. He noted that promoting industries could create job opportunities for the people, and steps must be taken to attract private investment. "There are vast opportunities for investment in the industrial sector of the province and the provincial government will provide all possible facilities to investors interested in investing in the province," he said. He added that the current provincial government was working to simplify the investment process and provide all necessary facilities under one roof. In addition, Gandapur said the provincial government was also taking steps to supply electricity generated from its own projects to local industries at affordable rates.
Business Recorder
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
HCSTSI President welcomes development decisions of HDA
HYDERABAD: President Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI), Muhammad Saleem Memon, has welcomed the major development decisions taken during the recent 120th Governing Body meeting of the Hyderabad Development Authority (HDA), commending the leadership of Sindh Minister for Local Government, Saeed Ghani, HCSTSI President appreciated the swift approvals of development projects and financial allocations for Gulistan-e-Sarmast and other residential schemes, calling them a reflection of the Sindh Government's serious commitment to improving the urban infrastructure of Hyderabad. In a formal letter addressed to the Minister, the Chamber President Saleem Memon acknowledged the positive steps taken so far but emphasized the need for further practical and sustainable measures to ensure long-term benefits of these decisions. He strongly recommended that at least 70% of the revenue generated from Gulistan-e-Sarmast and other ongoing HDA schemes must be reinvested directly into their respective areas to promote self-sufficiency and continuous development. He highlighted the urgent necessity for establishing a dedicated grid station for Gulistan-e-Sarmast, in line with NEPRA policies, to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply. He also called for the immediate completion of the long-pending 36-inch water supply line, which has been delayed since 2009. Emphasis was laid on expediting internal road construction, drainage systems, and provision of water and electricity lines particularly in neglected sectors such as Kohsar Extension that have been deprived of basic amenities for decades. HCSTSI President further urged the launch of new schemes under the Annual Development Program (ADP) for water filtration and sewerage treatment plants in severely underserved areas, including Gulistan-e-Sarmast, Kohsar Zone, Bypass, and New Hyderabad City. He stressed need for complete revision of existing zoning strategies, proposing that each designated residential or commercial zone must be equipped with all basic utilities within a defined timeframe to prevent land misuse and speculation. He asserted this, would encourage legal occupancy and promote healthy commercial activity. Chamber President called on HDA to prioritize the completion of infrastructure work in pending schemes and to organize well-planned plot auctions thereafter. This would not only enhance the Authority's revenue but also help regain the lost market value of land. Expressing concern over the diminishing public trust in HDA due to years of neglect and unfulfilled commitments, he urged the Authority to take immediate and visible actions to restore public confidence through reliable service delivery. He also suggested outsourcing key development works to ensure quality and timely execution. Most significantly, HCSTSI President made a strong case for the inclusion of Hyderabad's business community especially representation from HCSTSI in the Governing Body meetings of HDA. He emphasized that direct participation would allow the ground realities, public grievances, and trade-related concerns to be effectively presented at the policy level, leading to more practical and people-centric urban planning. Concluding his remarks, he expressed hope that under the leadership of Saeed Ghani, the Local Government Department will continue to play a pivotal role in making Hyderabad's development more transparent, effective, and citizen-focused. He added that if the Chamber's recommendations are adopted in the next Governing Body meeting, Hyderabad will progress rapidly towards becoming a well-planned and modern city. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
12-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
CM for full 100pc fund allocation for ADP schemes
PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur has directed the authorities concerned for allocation of 100 per cent funds for ongoing projects in Annual Development Program 2025-26. He issued directions during consultative sessions with elected public representatives to prepare the development program for the new fiscal year at the divisional level. The Chief Minister directed that 80% of the development funds for the next fiscal year will be allocated to ongoing projects; however, new projects based on urgent public needs will also be included in the development program. "The new projects are being finalised in consultation with the relevant elected public representatives," he remarked. He instructed the officials to prepare the feasibility studies and PC-1s for the new projects in a timely manner, emphasising that drinking water supply schemes in the southern districts should be given priority in the new development program. Likewise, he directed that all tube well solarization projects be fully funded in the upcoming budget. He stressed that no district should be without a District Headquarter Hospital, and no tehsil should be without a Tehsil Headquarter Hospital. He asked improvement in service delivery in the existing hospitals. He stated that in the next budget, Kohat Division will receive 100% of its royalty share, while special packages will be included in the development program for the tribes and areas in Kurram that have cooperated with the government in restoring peace. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
09-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Gandapur commits full royalty to Kohat
As part of the ongoing consultative sessions with elected public representatives aimed at preparing the development program for the new fiscal year at the divisional level, a significant meeting was held in Peshawar on Friday. The session, chaired by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, focused on finalizing the Annual Development Program (ADP) for the Kohat Division for the upcoming fiscal year. Members of the National and Provincial Assemblies from all five districts of the division attended the meeting, along with the Chief Minister's Advisor on Finance, senior officials from the Planning and Development Department, and the Kohat divisional administration. During the session, participants reviewed the progress of ongoing development projects across Kohat Division, as well as the current status of fund allocations. On this occasion, relevant officials provided detailed, sector-wise briefings on the implementation status of development projects underway in the region. The meeting also included comprehensive presentations on the proposed projects slated for inclusion in the forthcoming ADP. Chief Minister Gandapur instructed officials to allocate 100 per cent of the required funds in the next budget for projects that are nearing completion, underscoring that the timely completion of these ongoing initiatives would be a top priority in the upcoming fiscal cycle. He stated that 80 per cent of the development funds for the next fiscal year will be allocated to existing projects, while new initiatives addressing pressing public needs would also be considered for inclusion in the development program. "The new projects are being finalized in close consultation with the relevant elected public representatives," the Chief Minister remarked. He directed officials to prepare feasibility studies and PC-1s for new projects in a timely manner, emphasizing that drinking water supply schemes in the southern districts should be prioritized in the upcoming development plan. In addition, the Chief Minister directed that all tube well solarization projects should receive full funding in the new budget. He also urged elected representatives to submit proposals promptly for establishing schools and colleges currently operating in rented buildings within their constituencies. He called for special attention to be paid to healthcare projects in remote and underserved areas. The Chief Minister stressed that no district should be left without a District Headquarters Hospital and no tehsil without a Tehsil Headquarters Hospital. He further instructed the relevant departments to work towards improving service delivery standards in existing healthcare facilities. The meeting also discussed issues concerning the use of royalty funds from oil and gas-producing districts within Kohat Division. Chief Minister Gandapur announced that in the upcoming budget, Kohat Division would receive 100 per cent of its due royalty share. He also revealed that special development packages would be included in the ADP for the tribal areas of Kurram District that have played a vital role in supporting the government's efforts to restore peace and stability.
Express Tribune
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PHC extends stay on ADP funds
The Peshawar High Court has extended the stay order until May 14 in a petition filed by opposition members of the provincial assembly challenging the inclusion of block and umbrella schemes in the Annual Development Program (ADP) by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government. The court cautioned that if the petitioner's lawyer fails to appear at the next hearing, the stay order will be lifted. A two-member bench, comprising Justice Naeem Anwar and Justice Kamran Hayat, presided over the proceedings. The petitioner's counsel informed the court that a new lawyer had been appointed, who was currently unavailable due to prior professional commitments, and sought an adjournment. Additional Attorney General Muhammad Adnan noted that the stay order, in place since October 2, 2024, has halted the release of funds for various development projects. Justice Naeem Anwar remarked that the court intends to conclude the hearing on the next date and warned that in the absence of the petitioner's lawyer, the stay order would be vacated. The petition was filed by opposition leader Dr. Ibad, along with 19 other MPAs, including Arbab Muhammad Wasim, Ahmad Kundi, Arbab Muhammad Usman, Karamatullah Khan, Ehsanullah Khan, and Muhammad Iqbal Khan.
