KP CM calls for reduction in government expenditure to provide public relief

The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, on Monday said it was the government’s responsibility to protect citizens from the impact of the ongoing energy crisis and rising petroleum prices.

Addressing a cabinet meeting in Peshawar, the chief minister said that during difficult economic conditions, the first step should be to reduce the privileges enjoyed by rulers and state institutions.

He stressed that relief should be provided to the public by cutting down on government expenditures and official protocol.

Afridi said that in Pakistan the public was often asked to bear the burden during times of sacrifice and added that this approach needed to change.

Referring to the tenure of former prime minister Imran Khan, the chief minister said that relief had been provided to citizens and businesses even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He added that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government would oppose any decision that placed additional financial burden on the public.

The chief minister also reviewed the ongoing Ehsaas Ramadan Dastarkhwan Program, stating that district administrations and members of the provincial assembly were implementing the initiative effectively and that a large number of deserving individuals were benefiting from it.

Afridi further directed authorities to establish Ehsaas Mazdoor Shelters at divisional headquarters across the province to facilitate labourers. He instructed that shaded areas, drinking water and food should be arranged at these shelters to support workers.