PESHAWAR, Aug 09 (APP): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly was briefed on the financial operations of the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, revealing an annual operational cost of approximately Rs. 5.32 billion. Despite a daily revenue of Rs. 5.49 million, the Assembly was informed that the expenses of the BRT system surpass its income, raising concerns about its financial sustainability.
These details were provided by the Transport Department in response to a question raised by MPA Ahmed Kundi during the question hour.
A question by MP Muhammad Amin regarding alleged irregularities in communication schemes in District Dir was referred to the Standing Committee for further investigation.
The Assembly also witnessed the submission of a privilege motion by MPA Pir Musawir. He recounted an incident where he was stopped by Motorway Police officer while urgently transporting his mother to Shaukat Khanum Hospital for cancer treatment.
He expressed distress over the officer’s refusal to let them pass despite his repeated requests. The motion was subsequently referred to the Privilege Committee for review.
Additionally, MPA Abdul Ghani raised a calling attention notice about the decade-long closure of 70 crush plants in Bara, Khyber, a situation that has affected 15,000 jobs in his constituency. He highlighted that public protests and previous government assurances had failed to resolve the issue.
Minister for Industry and Commerce Abdul Karim responded by citing a Supreme Court directive, which prevents the issuance of further no objection certificates (NOCs) for the plants. He stated that no action would be taken until the detailed court verdict is announced.
He said that the Supreme Court’s directive only applied to plants near residential areas, schools, or hospitals, which was not relevant to his constituency.
He advised members to review the court order and collaborate on a solution.
The Assembly’s discussions underscored the ongoing challenges facing the province, from financial concerns with public transport to employment issues in local industries.