Summary of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s Performance and Development So Far
This report summarizes the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s achievements in 2024 in all key sectors since it took office in early March of the year. The social welfarist governance is attributed to Founder Chairman Imran Khan, who established PTI and its people-oriented ideology.
Healthcare
Ali Amin Gandapur and PTI’s first most promise on the agenda for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was immediately restoring the Sehat Insaf Card across the province for hundreds of thousands of people after it was discontinued by the previous government. Almost immediately, within the first 10 days of being elected, PTI and Gandapur fully restored free healthcare coverage on 12 March 2024 on the Sehat Insaf Card for people across the country.
With this, free healthcare services resumed through the Sehat Card Plus program, restoring a lifeline for citizens across the province. KPK Health Minister and PTI member Syed Qasim Ali Shah said within that within the first 10 days, the health facility resumed and Rs. 10 million had been spent on 700 patients. Syed Qasim Ali Shah said that treatment of about 1,800 ailments were being provided under the scheme in March 2024.
Not only was the card just restored but it was expanded significantly. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced in May 2024 that the amount covered by the card will increase from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh. This change aims to help more people get the medical care they need without worrying about the cost. The Sehat Insaf Card program was started to provide free medical treatment to families who cannot afford it. Now, with double the amount, families can get more help for their medical expenses. This includes surgeries, hospital stays, tests, and critical care. By increasing the amount covered, the government wants to reduce the financial burden on families. “We want everyone to get the medical care they need without worrying about money,” Ali Amin Gandapur said.
The PTI provincial KPK government, primarily Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah relaunched and expanded the Sehat Card Plus program in July 2024, ensuring free healthcare services for an additional one million citizens across the province. This initiative, a flagship of the PTI government, significantly enhances healthcare access, enabling families to seek treatment without financial worry. This initiative is part of the PTI provincial government’s efforts to improve public health and ensure that all citizens have access to essential healthcare services. By offering free medical care, the program aims to alleviate the financial burden on low-income families and improve the overall health of the population in KPK. The program requires a specific eligibility criteria and offers a wide range of free medical services to eligible residents. These services include general check-ups, diagnostic tests, treatments for common illnesses, and specialized care for chronic conditions.
In November 2024, Gandapur unveiled ambitious plans to revolutionize the province’s healthcare system by including a life insurance facility under the Sehat Card. Life insurance coverage aims to offer greater financial security to families facing medical emergencies, expanding the program’s impact. To ensure the success of the Sehat Card program, Gandapur’s government is working tirelessly to upgrade public sector hospitals, with the ultimate goal of empaneling as many of these institutions as possible, while life insurance is a key new development initiated by Ali Amin Gandapur’s cabinet. The life insurance scheme gives compensation of between Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 1,000,000 to the heirs of deceased family heads.
A key anti-polio drive was also initiated by Minister Muhammad Adnan Qadri in September 2024 to protect children in every district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from polio. The drive aims to cover diverse districts including tribal areas as well as 6.42 million children by providing the polio vaccine.
Admissions / Treatments in the Sehat Insaf Card Program from March 2024 to September 2024
References
https://8171-ehsaasprogram.pk/gandapur-doubles-sehat-insaaf-card-amount-kpk/
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2459185/sehat-card-back-in-full-operation
https://www.geo.tv/latest/534670-sehat-card-facilities-resume-in-kp
https://dailyausaf.com/en/health/kp-govt-to-include-life-insurance-in-sehat-card/
https://www.nation.com.pk/07-Sep-2024/6-4m-kp-children-to-be-vaccinated-in-anti-polio-drive
https://www.nation.com.pk/13-Sep-2024/kp-allocates-rs320m-for-drug-addicts-rehabilitation
Ehsaas Rozgar & Naujawan Programme
The Ehsaas Rozgar Programme, Ehsaas Naujawan Rozgar Programme and Ehsaas Hunar Programmes were launched by Ali Amin Gandapur to lower unemployment and aid youth entrepreneurship in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in August 2024. The Ehsaas Rozgar Programme and Naujawan Rozgar Programmes aims to give soft loans of Rs. 10 million as well as interest-free loans of Rs. 200,000 for young business owners having difficulty in trying to start a business. The Ehsaas Hunar Programme gives interest-free loans of Rs. 500,000 for new businesses owners to crackdown on unemployment. These programmes, primarily the Ehsaas Naujwan youth program is a positive step taken towards the socio-economic development of the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The budget for this scheme is set at Rs. 3 billion for now under which young aged between 18-35 years will be funded on the basis of interest-free loans. With this huge amount of money, Gandapur has announced that he aims to transform the province’s economic landscape by empowering youth so that they can contribute to KPK’s economic development. Mainly the marginalized groups such as women, minorities and the disabled will be prioritized to curve out the hidden potential in the province who can contribute to economic development.
Through this program, the objective is to empower youth by providing them entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities. This way they will become active participants of the society contributing to economic growth. The program is aimed at uplifting those groups of people who are suppressed and usually left behind others. These include marginalized groups like women, minorities, differently abled etc. One of the very important yet not often discussed objectives for enterprise development is to encourage rural area’s development. This is because the rural youth is encouraged to stay in rural areas which will result in reduced migration to urban centers. This programme will equip youth with important skills like digital literacy, vocational trades and entrepreneurial skills which are essential to compete with the world nowadays. The modern workspace worldwide these days requires well-prepared individuals who can compete with the world.
References
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1220615-cm-wants-implementation-of-youth-livelihood-schemes
Drug Free Peshawar
Gandapur also directed a focused crackdown on drug abuse in July 2024. Gandapur and the PTI-led government developed an anti-drug and anti-beggary action plan, primarily for Peshawar. As a result, the 'Drug Free Peshawar' initiative has been launched as major crackdown on drugs to promote health and safety. Gandapur has been a leading advocate against drug abuse, which he has called a curse to the province. The campaign has been largely succesful resulting in over 2,397 drug addicts in Peshawar being rehabilitated, with their illegal drugs seized. Minister of Excise, Taxation & Narcotics Control Khaleeq Ur Rehman, approved the allocation of Rs. 320 million for the campaign of drug rehabilitation in efforts to control illegal narcotics. 2,000 more drug addicts are also planned to be rehabilitated in government facilities.
References
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1248190-cm-launches-3rd-phase-of-drug-free-peshawar-programme
Ehsaas Apna Ghar Programme
Ali Amin Gandapur launched the Ehsaas Apna Ghar Programme initiative which allows for civilian loans of a maximum of Rs. 1.5 million for the construction, renovation and expansion of residential homes. In the provincial budget, an allocation for the construction of 5,000 homes was secured. A low-cost housing scheme under the Naya Pakistan Housing Program (NPHP) was also launched.
Ehsaas Panahghas
11x Ehsaas Panahghas were restored by the PTI government as part of the 100-days performance while food distribution and shelter centers were established.
Education
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and cabinet ministers launched a drove of merit-based scholarships to various universities across the province under the Chief Minister Education Endowment Fund (CMEEF). In November 2024, Rs. 284 million for primary and secondary education, and Rs. 200 million for higher education were allocated for tribal districts, an area often ignored in terms of education attention. Gandapur also restored student unions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In July 2024, Minister for Elementary and Secondary Education Faisal Khan Tarakai reported that 400 community schools are being set up under the Human Capital Investment Project in selected districts of the province.
Tarakai said that over 26,000 boys and girls would be enrolled in these schools while 500 Early Age Childhood Education Classrooms would also be established wherein over 32,000 more boys and girls would be enrolled. Similarly, 150 schools are also being established in selected districts, which will have the capacity of the enrollment of 9,000 girls and boys while 11,000 more boys and girls would be enrolled under Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP) project to benefit 0.3 million boys and girls in the province.
An e-transfer policy for payment was started by the Education Department. The PTI government decided to start a free meal programme in public sector primary schools. Under the programme, around 70,000 children would be provided with free and quality food daily. It was further decided that the social welfare department would sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the private welfare organization for implementation of the proposed initiative. Ali Amin Gandapur said the programme was another important welfare initiative of his government and that it would also help increase enrolment in government schools.
In August 2024, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government unveiled the ‘Taleem Card’ initiative, a significant step aimed at improving educational access for students in underprivileged and remote regions. The project, which began with a pilot phase in Upper Chitral, seeks to bridge the educational gap by offering quality education opportunities. The Taleem Card was launched in 9 districts and currently provides monthly stipends, free textbooks and scholarships to over 40,000 students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Along with the card, a Rs. 3 billion endowment was also sent to 550,000 girls to promote female education.
References
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2507589/k-p-govt-approves-rs-314bn-for-merged-districts
https://propakistani.pk/2024/09/04/kp-education-department-launches-e-transfer-policy-for-teachers/
https://www.dawn.com/news/1846032
https://www.dikhannewcity.com/kp-govt-launches-taleem-card-to-enhance-education-in-remote-areas/
Major Infrastructure and Dams
By July 2024, 56 small dams were completed, while work on another 30 was in ‘full swing’. The dam projects totalled an estimated cost of Rs. 43.6 billion. Minister Aqibullah Khan also prioritized the Warsak Canal Project. Furthermore, Rs. 10 billion has been allocated for the CRBC Lift Canal Project. The Tank Zam, Chaudhwan Zam, and Daraband Zam hydropower projects have been launched to enhance food security and create employment opportunities.
A set of infrastructural projects were initiated in October 2024 by Ali Amin Gandapur and other cabinet ministers and advisors. The establishment of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Islamic Takaful insurance company, the KP Solar Scheme, and a home-stay tourism scheme were unveiled. Auqaf properties also saw improvements with the GIS Mapping Program, a Quran Mahal in Peshawar and Minister Arshad Ayub Khan’s new lease policy.
Major approved projects include the construction of the Peshawar-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway, a trade corridor hub, a 120-kilometre transmission line, and a debt management fund. The PTI provincial government aims to complete these initiatives by the end of 2027. Additionally, the government plans to construct a 365-kilometre-long motorway to improve trade links between KPK, Punjab, and Balochistan and will build a transmission line to supply affordable electricity to local industries.
The KP Solar Scheme plans to provide solar units to 130,000 low-income households to fulfill electricity needs and lower electricity bills, while the home-stay tourism program will offer loans to residents in tribal areas to promote tourism. The government also will establish a trade corridor hub at Torkham, and a debt management fund has been established by Muzammil Aslam.
References
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2482658/small-dams-take-centre-stage-in-k-p#google_vignette
Transportation
A bus service transportation project was approved for Peshawar by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. The service will cover the area starting from Chamkani to Hayatabad. The Chief Minister has approved the initiation of this modern transport service under public-private partnership. Primarily, the bus service will operate from Chamkani via Ring Road to Itwar Bazaar in Hayatabad. A starting number of 100 buses will be operated. The purpose is to provide better travel facilities for the public and to reduce the burden on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). The bus service will be able to accommodate 150,000 passengers daily. The number of buses will increase to 200.
References
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2487110/k-p-govt-to-initiate-taleem-card-project
Ekhtyar Awam Ka Portal
To promote public feedback and accountability for the government, Gandapur and PTI launched an innovative portal “Ekhtyar Awam Ka” as an important initiative towards promoting good governance and addressing public issues in the province. The Ekhtyar Awam Ka digital portal is a robust and users-friendly digital platform that is now open for citizens to file complaints regarding their issues and grievances. This 24/7 portal will ensure a real time-tracking and monitoring of public complaints regarding services delivery in public sector entities allowing for swift redressal and resolution. Overseas Pakistanis can also register their concerns and issues on this portal. The program mainly aims for the government to receive feedback on issues.
Billion Tree Plus Project
In the environment, the Billion Tree Plus (BTP) Plantation Project was launched, which plans to increase forest cover and reduce illegal logging. Gandapur ordered the installation of CCTV cameras and checkpoints to prevent illegal logging and timber smuggling. Furthermore, Minister of Agriculture Muhammad Sajjad promoted an agricultural sector boost through increased plantations.
References
https://mashriqtv.pk/en/2024/09/18/cm-kp-launches-ikhtiyar-awam-ka-portal/
https://www.dawn.com/news/1821622
Revenue and Finance
The PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government successfully saved Rs. 103 billion during the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024-25.
The provincial government's total revenue during the first quarter amounted to Rs. 316 billion, while expenditures were at Rs. 212 billion, allowing the provincial government to save more than Rs. 100 billion.
The Ministry of Finance released statistics for the first quarter from July to September 2024, showing that the total revenue was Rs. 316.7 billion, out of which Rs. 257.22 billion came from federal transfers. Muzammil Aslam also lead further financial reforms.
References
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2506601/govts-rs103b-saving-a-turn-up-for-the-books
Anti-Terrorism, Security and Jirgas
Terrorism has been a top issue for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since terrorist insurgencies started in the early 2000s and 2004. During this time, extremist terrorist groups, mainly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) launched suicide bombing and terrorist attacks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan as a whole. The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) were particularly hit badly by both drone strikes and terrorist attacks.
Ali Amin Gandapur and PTI took office in early 2024 amid rising terrorism. Within the first 100 days, Gandapur’s government allocated Rs. 3 billion for police and armed vehicle improvements and began coping with manpower shortages to strengthen the police against terrorism. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also increased security, armored vehicles, and police posts without disrupting civilian areas while empowering local Jirgas to promote peace and resolve conflicts.
In June 2024, PTI, Imran Khan and Ali Amin Gandapur made the decision to oppose the military ‘Operation Azm-e-Istehkam’. This move was due to the operation involving large amounts of excessive military deployed in Tribal Areas. After PTI and Gandapur discussed the operation with locals of KPK and tribal regions through Jirgas, it was decided to deploy local government police forces and increase security posts rather than a full-scale military operation into tribal areas, which was most evidently going to be overly destructive and not following the local people’s wishes.
The operation was also likely to increase instability rather than decrease it, resulting in the PTI government opposing the operation and instead supporting the plan on Pashtun Jirgas to counter terrorism using the KP Police and Counter Terrorism Department. Local police forces were directed to crackdown on terrorism, while police night patrols in Lakki Marwat and Bannu were formed to promote peace against terrorism. Furthermore, in response to the Bannu Incidents, Gandapur met with locals and formed a judicial commission, while Gandapur accepted the Bannu Jirgas' demands. Allocation of funds to security and police has also been increased significantly amidst the threat of terrorism. A 'grand peace Jirga' was also held by Gandapur with political leaders from the Federal and Tribal governments to confirm cooperation for stability and against terrorism.
