PESHAWAR – Reaffirming his government’s resolve to ensure the return of peace and an end to militancy and extremism, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti Wednesday said such objectives could be achieved by addressing the economic needs and hardships of the people.
“Amidst threats of terrorism and a plethora of other challenges, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has initiated steps for stimulating economic and development activities,” the chief minister remarked while addressing the inaugural ceremony of Bacha Khan Khapal Rozgaar Scheme at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House.
The venture, involving an amount of one billion rupees, is being launched with in collaboration of The Bank of Khyber (BoK). It aims at combating the increasing unemployment. Through the scheme, interest-free loans worth Rs30,000 to Rs100,000, to be reimbursed in three years, would be released to those who want to set up their own business.
Expressing his pleasure over initiative, Hoti termed it as a matter of proud for him and his party, and said the present government was already extending financial support to the deserving women and families through Benazir Bhutto Income Support Programme (BISP) while Bacha Khan Poverty Alleviation Scheme was also working in the province. He promised no political intervention in the projects and said The BoK was authorised for disembarrassing loans on the basis of merit and need.
Hoti referred to the fact that the last year’s devastating flood had multiplied the miseries of the people, who were already a victim of terrorism, violence and militancy. The chief minister described the existing law and order situation as satisfactory and praised the people who had rendered tremendous sacrifices in the war on terror.
He, however, pointed that terrorism was not confined to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as it had been affecting the whole country. Hoti said the government firm in stance on eradicating terrorism, which was not possible only through military force, adding that they believed in political means for sorting out differences.
