PESHAWAR – The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) cabinet has approved major drug law reforms by deciding to abolish the death penalty in narcotics cases. The provincial government will soon introduce legislation to formally remove capital punishment from such cases.
This decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, where a 37-point agenda was discussed.
The meeting, attended by provincial ministers and departmental secretaries, also approved multiple administrative and policy measures. These include the purchase of new vehicles for chairmen of District Development Advisory Committees (DDACs) and allocation of funds for NGOs working in special education and health sectors.
The cabinet further approved the creation of new posts in the Information Department to strengthen its digital media operations. Addressing the meeting, Gandapur expressed concern over the worsening law and order situation and announced an all-parties conference next week. Political leaders from all parties will be invited to develop a joint strategy to restore peace across the province.
The chief minister credited peace efforts in Kurram district to collaboration with local elders and jirgas. He said similar methods could help bring stability to other conflict-affected areas of the province.
The cabinet also decided to review and amend Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law. Going forward, implementation of the 3-MPO will require prior approval from the provincial Home Department. The aim is to prevent misuse of this law, which Gandapur compared to the outdated Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR).
Highlighting the importance of disaster response cooperation, Gandapur said natural calamities should not be politicised and offered provincial support to other regions in times of need.
The cabinet also approved financial assistance for victims of Indian cross-border aggression and terrorism. Families of martyrs from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will receive 5mn rupees each, while the family of Maulana Khanzeb, martyred in a recent terrorist attack, will receive 10mn rupees.
