PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has given a principled approval for the establishment of a Horticulture Authority. The proposed authority will be formed under a formal act, and relevant officials have been instructed to begin drafting the legislation.
This decision was made during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur, focusing on local government initiatives. The meeting was also attended by Provincial Minister for Local Government Arshad Ayub, along with senior officials from the Departments of Local Government and Law, and representatives from the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA).
The meeting discussed various issues concerning local governments, including the challenges they face. Additionally, it addressed the possibility of assigning special responsibilities to the PDA within the boundaries of Peshawar’s three urban Town Municipal Administrations (TMAs).
It was agreed that the proposed responsibilities given to the PDA would be distinct from the routine duties of the TMAs, ensuring that the day-to-day functions and staff of the TMAs would remain unaffected. The Chief Minister directed the relevant authorities to complete their homework and present final recommendations for this initiative.
“Peshawar is not only our city but also the face of the province,” said Chief Minister Gandapur. “The current provincial government is taking serious measures for its development and growth. The TMAs have been tasked with improving the sanitation system, and outstanding dues related to employee salaries and pensions will be cleared on a priority basis.”
The Chief Minister emphasized the critical role local governments play in solving public issues at the grassroots level, adding that the provincial government is committed to empowering local government systems in line with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan. He also promised that the genuine concerns of local representatives would be resolved on a priority basis in an effort to decentralize authority and bring decision-making closer to the people.
This development marks another stride in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s efforts to enhance local governance and promote sustainable urban development.
