KP govt committed to higher education, student welfare and university reforms: CM

PESHAWAR, Jul 29 (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Wednesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening higher education, announcing enhanced financial support for public universities, continuation of scholarship programmes, and new initiatives for students.

Addressing the convocation of the University of Peshawar he said that all public sector universities, including the University of Peshawar, remained a top priority of the provincial government.

He said pension liabilities of universities from 2017 to 2024 had been cleared in a lump sum, while dues from 2024 to June 2026 had also been released.

He added that the financial deficit of public universities had been reduced from Rs9 billion to Rs4.5 billion, with government assistance increased to Rs12 billion.

He announced that the provincial government would continue the Ehsaas Scholarship Programme from its own resources after its discontinuation by the federal government, adding that students and youth represented Pakistan’s future and had always played a decisive role in national movements.

Highlighting youth-related initiatives, Afridi said the provincial government was introducing interest-free educational loans as well as financial assistance for students seeking higher education abroad.

He also announced that the provincial internship policy had been finalised and would be formally launched soon.

Expressing concern over the growing brain drain, the CM said many talented young Pakistanis were leaving the country due to a lack of employment opportunities and better prospects abroad.

He stressed the need to create an environment where educated youth could contribute to national development.

Referring to the provincial economy, Afridi said KP had significantly increased its own-source revenue through administrative reforms without imposing new taxes.

He said provincial revenue had risen from Rs68 billion to more than Rs150 billion, surpassing the revenue target of Rs129 billion for the fiscal year 2025-26.

The CM also called on the federal government to clear the province’s outstanding gas-related dues, noting that KP produced more than 800 MMCFD of natural gas.

He maintained that under the Constitution, gas-producing provinces should receive priority in gas supply and described gas load-shedding in the province as unacceptable.

During his address, Afridi also expressed views on national political and economic issues, emphasising the importance of democratic values, media freedom, constitutional solutions to national challenges, and economic reforms.

He urged that public issues be resolved through dialogue and constitutional means.