PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan said on Tuesday that border markets were being set up to revive business activities in tribal districts.

According to a statement issued here, the chief minister told a meeting that setting up of those markets would not only boost economic and trade activities but would also provide livelihood opportunities to locals.

He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan took difficult decisions for the betterment of the country. He discussed with the participants of the meeting the priorities of the government, restoration of peace in the region and other important matters related to economic development of the province.

“The present government of PTI is successfully pursuing its agenda of a prosperous and stable province,” said the chief minister.

He said that Torkham border with Afghanistan was opened round the clock that was a proof of Pakistan’s desire for better relations with the Afghan brethren.

Discussing government’s priorities regarding the tribal districts, the chief minister said that provincial government was trying to resolve the problems of tribal people.

He said that induction of Levies and Khasadar forces into police was the most important issue of merged districts.

He said that despite difficulties, government inducted about 28,000 Levies and Khasadar personnel into police.

“All provincial departments have been extended to merged districts,” he said.

Mr Khan said that government had also incorporated important projects in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor including Swat Motorway, Peshawar-D I Khan Motor way and Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC) that would be a milestone for the economic development of the province.

He said that government was also taking steps for the resolution of water issue in the province. Mohmand Dam has been inaugurated, work on Suki Kenari project is underway and work on Dasu Dam will be initiated soon.

“The provincial government is also focused on strengthening divisional headquarters to reduce burden on the provincial capital. We are preparing a master plan for the divisional headquarters, for which homework is being initiated,” said the chief minister.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2019