PESHAWAR – Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, has launched the E-Abiana App, marking a transformative shift toward a digital economy for the province’s agricultural sector. During the inauguration, Afridi also issued a high-level directive to clear a backlog of 170,000 driving licenses within a 30-day window.
Irrigation with the E-Abiana App
In a formal ceremony at the Chief Minister’s House, Sohail Afridi introduced the E-Abiana App, a digital solution developed through the collaboration of the Irrigation Department, the Science & IT Department, and the KP IT Board. This application aims to modernise the collection of water charges (Abiana) from farmers, ensuring a transparent and error-free process.
The provincial government has initiated the E-Abiana App as a pilot project in the Mardan Irrigation Division. Following this phase, the government plans to implement the system province-wide. Key benefits of the app include:
- Digitised Record Keeping: Secure and accessible data for both the department and the consumers.
- Integrated Platforms: A digital link between land records and water usage to increase departmental accuracy.
- Revenue Growth: Streamlining collections to meet annual targets while eliminating delays and administrative hurdles.
- Administrative Oversight: Real-time digital dashboards for senior officials to monitor recovery and decision-making.
CM Afridi stated that the E-Abiana App is a cornerstone of his administration’s goal to achieve 100% digitisation of government affairs by June 2026, noting that 60% to 70% of departmental tasks are already online.
One-Month Deadline for 170,000 Pending Driving Licenses
While focusing on digital governance, the Chief Minister also addressed public grievances regarding the transport sector. He directed the immediate printing and distribution of 170,000 pending driving license cards within one month.
The Transport Department has issued a formal schedule for January 2026 to ensure the backlog is cleared:
- Hazara Division: Completion in the first week of January 2026.
- Malakand (Swat, Dir, Buner): Distribution by mid-January 2026.
- Peshawar Division: Delivery targeted between January 23 and 26, 2026.
- Kohat, Bannu, Mardan, & DI Khan: Final delivery by January 30, 2026.
CM Slams Federal Government for “Economic Bias”
During the launch of the E-Abiana App, Chief Minister Afridi delivered a scathing critique of the Federal Government’s attitude toward Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He claimed that federal apathy is fueling a “sense of deprivation” among the people of the province.
He specifically highlighted the Chashma Right Bank Lift Canal (CRBC) project, noting that despite the province paying its financial share, the project remains stalled due to federal non-seriousness. Similarly, he noted that the Gabral Hydro Power Project is 85% complete, yet the Federation has withheld NOCs for foreign workers for eight months.
“The federal and Punjab governments are practicing blatant discrimination,” Afridi remarked. He accused the center of withholding billions in dues and mocked the “media trials” conducted over the minor fiscal releases the province receives.
Double Standards and Political Vision
Afridi further contrasted the province’s progress with the national political landscape. He pointed out that while the provincial government follows the vision of Imran Khan by delivering services, the Federation ignores massive corruption. He cited an IMF report alleging 5,300 billion rupees in corruption, suggesting a double standard where political opponents are persecuted while massive financial irregularities go unchecked.
The Chief Minister concluded by reaffirming that the E-Abiana App and the expedited license delivery are proofs of the provincial government’s commitment to the public, who have voted them into power for a record third time.
