Khyber Pakhtunkhwa - Past & Present

The legendary land of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa popularly known as the "Land of Hospitality" has a record to witness mightiest civilizations including Gandhara and Hindu Shahi. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also served as a corridor for countless invaders and conquerors including Alexandra the Great, Tamerlain, Mahmood Ghaznavi, Babar, Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali crossing the famous Khyber Pass.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is located in the North West of the Country linking its borders with Afghanistan, Land route with China to the North, Federally Administered Tribal Areas falls on the West and South, Azad Kashmir to the east, Punjab and Islamabad Capital Territory to the South East and Province of Baluchistan its located southwards.

After disintegration of one Unit in 1970 the Province was called NWFP which was renamed as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through amendment in the constitution of 1973. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has an area of 74,521 Km2 with a population of about 22 million registering 11.9% of the total population of Pakistan.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has suffered serious external shocks including fallout from over three decades of Afghan War, Spill-over of militancy in Tribal belt, devastation caused by the catastrophic 2005 earthquake, Internal displacement of more than three million people following conflict in Swat in 2009 and damage caused by the unprecedented floods in 2010. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has paid huge price in the wake of above unfortunate events particularly the side effects of Afghan conflict.

Militants activities deprived Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from the legendary Police Officers, Politicians and Citizens including Sifwat Ghayur - Commandant FC, Malik Saad - DIG, Abid Ali - DIG Kohat, Khan Raziq - DSP, Iqbal Marwat - DSP, Abdul Kalam - SP, Hilal Haider - SP, Khurshid Khan - SP, Bashir Bilour - Senior Minister, MPA's and citizens. Inspite of continuous bomb blasts, suicidal attacks the residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa did not lose their hearts and remained determined to curb the terrorism. The situation was acknowledged by the Federal Government and all Provinces in 7th NFC Award 2010 and 1% of divisible pool was unanimously agreed for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Unfortunate events have affected the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's overall Law & Order situation and social economic sectors yet the determination of the PTI led Government to restore the original status and recent developments in domestic and regional policies indicates that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is on its way to reclaim prosperity and a promising future.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the 3rd largest provincial economy in Pakistan. The part of the economy that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa dominates is Forestry, where its share has historically ranged from a low of 34.9% to a high 81%, giving an average of 61.6%. More than 20% of Pakistan's mining output comes from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Nearly 78% of Pakisntan's Marble production also comes from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Peridot and Emerald precious stones are also product of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Wheat, maize, tobacco and sugarcane are the main cash crops of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alongwith wide range of fruits and vegetable. Citrus of Khanpur, Manki Sharif, Palai (Swat), Dir and Kaka Sahib is famous beside Guava of Kohat having repute throughout Pakistan. Peach of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also famous and exported to so many countries. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government is on its way to utilize scenic valleys, hydel potential for the economic uplift of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Beside small scale set up like marble/granite processing units, match manufacturing, wood working and particle board projects are also contributing their share in the uplift of economic growth. Moreover large scale mega manufacturing units like cement, sugar, tobacco / cigarette units are also playing vital role in job creation for the skilled / unskilled work force in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's economic growth strategy is a key instrument to improve citizens living standard. Economic growth framework for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa covers priority sectors of Industries & construction, Agriculture & Livestock, Energy, Mining and Tourism. It is expected that desired 7.5% GDP growth rate will be achieved leading to reduce poverty, enhance prosperity and more jobs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Present PTI led Government has taken bold decisions to execute peace, security, transparency, good governance and new bond of trust between the Government and the people including the following.

1. Local Government System 
2. Right to Information 
3. Right to Public Services  
4. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Conflict of Interest Law
5. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ehtesab Commission 
6. Public Private Partnership  
7. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority 
8. District Performance Management Framework
9. Citizen Feedback Model (CFM) 
10. Grievance Redressal System
11. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Procurement Regulatory Authority
12. District Monitoring by Administrative Secretaries 
13. Online Monitoring of Services Delivery & Price Control

Chief Minister's Special initiatives given below are also to ensure to make the Government a service to the citizen in a transparent and accountable manner.

1. Education

 1.1 Stipend for Girl Students

 1.2 Hard Area Allowance for Lady Education Supervision

 1.3 Iqra Farogh-e-Taleem / Education Voucher Scheme (EVS)

 1.4 Sports Facilities in Government Schools

 1.5 Chief Minister's Education Endowment Fund (CMEEF)

 1.6 Higher Education Endowment Fund

 1.7 Monthly Stipend for un-employed youth

2. Health

 2.1 Free Emergency Services

 2.2 Establishment of Insulin Bank

 2.3 Incentives for Maternal Health Services

 2.4 Incentives for Immunization Services

 2.5 Free Treatment for Critical Illnesses

3. Employment Generation

 3.1 Skill Development Programme 

 3.2 Youth Challenge Fund Project

 3.3 Roshni Scheme

 3.4 Khud Kafalat Scheme

The Provincial Government's determination to uplift the economic growth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is evident from the reforms programme. Projects in different sectors including Tourism, Agriculture & Livestock, Oil / Gas, Hydel Generation, Communication and Housing have been advertised by the KP-BOIT and upon completion these specific projects are likely to contribute in the uplift of economic growth.  

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is comparatively in a comfortable position in the wake of resources. Uncapping of net Hydel profit from 6000 million to 18000 million by NEPRA is to produce much space for development activities in the Province. Similarly arrears on account of net hydel profit amounting to Rs. 51,873 million payable by the Federal Government are also to produce cushion for development activities. Size of ADP 2015 -16 has jumped to Rs. 1,74,884 million including Districts ADP and foreign project assistance as compared to Rs 4884.740 million in 1997 - 98. Major focus of the Provincial Government is on Health and Education Sectors. During the current financial year 2015 - 16 Health Allocation is Rs. 21576 million registering 7.2% of the total allocation. Similarly allocation for Education sector is Rs. 21804 million registering 7.3% of the total allocation.

The present PTI Led Government has deeply rooted its transitional agenda through public investment endeavours. The Government is well set on reform trajectory towards its realization of its visualization. The performance and progress exhibited by the Provincial Government shall be viewed amid the challenging environment owing to multiple crises including insurgency, militancy, natural disasters viz-a-viz socio economic development imperatives.