The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has approved seven major flagship projects, including the highly anticipated Universal Life Insurance Project, designed to provide comprehensive life insurance to every resident of the province.
During a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur, which was attended by Finance Advisor Muzammil Aslam and key departmental secretaries, these projects were given the final go-ahead, promising to transform the socio-economic landscape of the province.
The Universal Life Insurance Project is one of the flagship initiatives aimed at improving social security in K-P. This initiative, following the success of the province’s health card scheme, is the PTI government’s second major effort to provide social safety nets for the people. Under this project, in the event of a family head’s death, beneficiaries will receive compensation ranging from Rs 500,000 to Rs1,000,000.
To ensure the sustainability and growth of the Universal Life Insurance Project, the government is also establishing its own Islamic Takaful insurance company, which will handle both life insurance and health card programs.
Other approved flagship projects include the construction of the Peshawar-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway, a vital 365-kilometre trade route that will connect Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Punjab and Balochistan, and the development of a 120-kilometre transmission line from Swat to Chakdara.
This transmission line will provide electricity generated from hydropower plants to local industries, significantly boosting industrial growth with affordable energy. The project is expected to generate Rs 54 billion in annual revenue for the province.
In addition, the solarisation program will provide solar units to 65,000 low-income households in the first phase, and in the second phase, another 65,000 units will be offered on easy instalments. Furthermore, all government buildings will be transitioned to solar energy, a move aimed at reducing costs and promoting clean energy.
The home-stay tourism initiative, which is part of these flagship projects, will encourage residents in remote tourist areas to offer accommodation to visitors by providing them with loans to upgrade their homes. This will enhance tourism in rural areas, creating additional income streams for locals and boosting the province’s overall tourism industry.
To further support international trade, particularly with Afghanistan and Central Asia, the government has approved the establishment of a trade corridor hub at Torkham and a trade facilitation center in Peshawar. A freight railway service connecting Peshawar to Torkham is also on the cards, enhancing cross-border commerce.
In a move to strengthen financial management, the K-P government is also creating a debt management fund, making it the first province in Pakistan to take this step. Five percent of the province’s total debt will be allocated to this fund, ensuring timely repayment of loans and safeguarding development funds for future projects.
Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur reiterated that these flagship projects, including the Universal Life Insurance Project, will play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for K-P residents, ensuring social security, and driving the province towards economic self-sufficiency.
He emphasized that the completion of these projects will transform Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into a thriving hub of industrial, commercial, and tourism activities, setting the foundation for an economic revolution in the province.
The KP Women Digital Internship Program 2024-25, launched by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB), offers a unique opportunity for aspiring female professionals to start their careers in the digital sector.
This six-month paid, work-from-home internship provides flexibility while allowing participants to gain valuable industry experience. Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of PKR 30,000, offering financial support as they develop essential skills.
