Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the Federal Government will provide 160 billion rupees for development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He, along with Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, was addressing the members of the Area Representative Development Council of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's tribal districts in Peshawar today.

The Prime Minister said the Federal Government will also ensure the provision of wheat to the province according to its requirements to overcome any shortage. He directed that wheat should be supplied to the public at the same price at which it is provided by the Federal Government, warning against hoarding.

Shehbaz Sharif further said that the Federal Government will extend all possible assistance and resources to strengthen the police, enhance counter-terrorism capabilities, improve police training and complete Safe City projects in the province.

He said the government will remove obstacles to ongoing federal development projects to ensure their timely completion, while the provincial government will address impediments to provincial projects.

Expressing concern over rampant corruption and the slow pace of development in the province, the Prime Minister said public funds meant for education, healthcare and the future of the younger generation must be utilised transparently for the welfare of the people.

Referring to financial irregularities, he cited a 100-billion-rupee drinking water project scandal and a fraud involving 37 billion rupees in Kohistan. He said the government will take steps to curb corruption and ensure that every penny allocated for development and public welfare reaches its intended beneficiaries.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the sacrifices made by tribal communities in the fight against terrorism.

He assured tribal elders that they will be empowered to play an effective role in the development of their areas, ensuring justice, promoting technical education among young people and addressing local issues.

The Prime Minister said the Federal Government, in coordination with the provincial government, the Governor, the tribal advisory council and relevant institutions, will work jointly to bring development, prosperity and stability to the province. 

Speaking on the occasion, tribal elders expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for providing an opportunity to promote development and improve governance in their twelve districts.

They also thanked the Federal Government for bringing an end to the PTI-led administration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through constitutional and legal measures, including the imposition of a state of emergency and Governor's Rule.

They alleged that widespread terrorism, 100 percent corruption and zero development were the hallmarks of the previous administration in the province.

The tribal representatives assured the Prime Minister of their full support in serving the people and bridging the gap between the public and the government.