Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, has emphasized that in the context of the ongoing global energy and economic pressures, governments must prioritize the protection of citizens and adopt practical measures to mitigate the impact of economic shocks on the public. He expressed these views while addressing a meeting of the Provincial Cabinet. The Chief Minister stressed that during periods of economic strain, fiscal adjustment measures should begin with the rationalization of government expenditures and privileges within state institutions rather than transferring the immediate burden to citizens. He noted that elected representatives, public institutions, and the administrative apparatus must demonstrate responsibility by reducing non essential protocol expenditures and institutional privileges, thereby ensuring that relief measures for the public remain a priority. Reflecting on broader governance challenges, the Chief Minister observed that historically economic pressures in Pakistan have often translated into increased hardship for ordinary citizens. He underscored the need for a governance approach in which public institutions lead by example through internal austerity, accountability, and responsible resource management before asking citizens to bear additional costs. Referring to recent increases in petroleum prices, the Chief Minister stated that measures with direct financial implications for the public require careful consideration to avoid disproportionate impacts on vulnerable segments of society. He reiterated that the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of its citizens and will continue to advocate for policy decisions that prioritize public relief and economic stability. The Chief Minister also recalled that during the global COVID pandemic, despite severe economic disruptions worldwide, the federal government led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan introduced targeted relief measures aimed at supporting vulnerable populations, small businesses, and the broader economy. These initiatives, he noted, received international recognition for their effectiveness in balancing public health management with economic resilience. Reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to public welfare, the Chief Minister stated that the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will continue to stand with its people and will oppose any measures that place an undue financial burden on citizens. Appreciating the role of district administrations and elected representatives, the Chief Minister commended the effective implementation of the Ehsaas Ramazan Dastarkhwan initiative, which is providing essential support to deserving segments of society during the holy month of Ramazan. According to reports received from various districts, the program is benefiting a large number of individuals, and efforts are underway to ensure its continued effective implementation. As part of broader social protection efforts, the Chief Minister directed the establishment of “Ehsaas Mazdoor Shelters” at divisional headquarters across the province. These facilities will provide daily wage laborers and job seekers with shaded waiting areas, access to clean drinking water, and basic amenities, ensuring that workers seeking employment are provided with a dignified and supportive environment. He emphasized that the provincial government remains committed to strengthening social protection mechanisms and ensuring that vulnerable and hardworking segments of society are supported through practical, humane, and sustainable policy interventions.
Later briefing the media on the important decisions of the cabinet, special assistant to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information & Public Relations Shafi Jan said that the cabinet in view of the evolving international situation affecting petroleum supplies and prices, and the potential pressure in the country, the cabinet approved a Fuel Conservation & Responsible Governance Initiative introducing temporary measures for a period of two months to reduce non-essential fuel consumption while safeguarding economic activity, Eid travel and agricultural operations.
Under the initiative, government departments will maximize the use of digital platforms for official work. All provincial and district level meetings will preferably be conducted through virtual platforms such as Zoom, while the use of the e-Office system will be ensured for official file movement. The e-Office facility has also been extended to Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners to further strengthen paperless governance.
Provincial offices will introduce up to 50 percent work-from-home arrangements where feasible, and inter-district official travel will be minimized. Routine coordination and review meetings will also be shifted online to reduce fuel consumption associated with travel.
The cabinet has decided to implement a 25 percent reduction in fuel entitlement for official vehicles, while administrative vehicles and officers holding administrative positions will also be subject to the same fuel rationing measures. However, exemptions will apply to police and law enforcement operations, rescue and emergency services, and operational field enforcement units.
In addition, VIP protocol convoys will be reduced, and the use of official helicopters will be restricted to critical emergency duties only.
As part of austerity measures, procurement of non-essential furniture and equipment will be restricted. Seminars, workshops and conferences will be minimized or shifted to virtual formats, while official dinners and receptions will remain banned. Government facilities will be used for official meetings and events to avoid unnecessary expenditure.
According to him, to reduce energy and fuel consumption without disrupting economic activity, educational institutions will remain closed on Fridays, while courts and universities will be encouraged to adopt virtual hearings and hybrid learning models where feasible. Staggered office timings will also be encouraged to reduce traffic congestion.
Urban energy conservation measures will include restrictions on excessive decorative lighting in wedding halls, plazas and markets, as well as limitations on late-night wedding hall operations. Commercial establishments will also be encouraged to reduce unnecessary lighting.
Traffic management measures will be implemented to reduce congestion-related fuel wastage. Citizens will be encouraged to utilize public transport, particularly during the Eid travel period, and to limit non-essential travel.
The government has emphasized that fuel conservation measures will not negatively impact vulnerable groups or key economic sectors. Relief for registered motorbike owners will be provided as previously announced, while the government will consider targeted support for the public transport sector if fare pressures emerge. No increase in tolls or public transport travel costs will be allowed.
Special focus will also be placed on protecting the agriculture sector. Stable diesel availability will be ensured for wheat harvesting operations, and diesel supply will be closely monitored in agricultural districts. Strict action will be taken against hoarding or illegal stockpiling of fuel.
District administrations will monitor petrol pump stocks on a daily basis and regularly report fuel availability to provincial authorities. Strict action will be taken against fuel hoarding and black marketing to maintain market stability, he said.
According to him, the Cabinet approved various schemes for the Local Government, Communications and Works, and Irrigation Departments under the Peshawar Revitalization Plan. These schemes relate to road improvements, construction of underpasses, development of traffic management infrastructure, installation of monuments, and installation of traffic lights.
He further stated that the Cabinet approved a non-ADP scheme for the solarization of 120,000 poor households in the merged districts.
In the social welfare sector, the Cabinet approved Rs. 41.73 million for the provision of winter clothing for students with disabilities in different special education institutes. It also approved Rs. 168.72 million as a grant-in-aid for the Ramazan Dastarkhwan and for enhancing the number of beneficiaries of the Ramazan Relief Package to 1,057,673 families.
The Cabinet also approved the release of Rs. 400.00 million as a supplementary grant for the payment of 50% of outstanding liabilities during the current financial year (CFY) 2025–26, with the allocation of the remaining reconciled amount, along with additional reconciled dues, in the next fiscal year’s budget (FY 2026–27).
It further approved a non-ADP scheme for the clearance of pending liabilities in respect of the closed scheme titled “Establishment of Social Media Participatory Platforms for Public Awareness and Feedback Regarding Reform Initiatives and Encouraging Civic Responsibility,” amounting to Rs. 41.018 million.
The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Debt Management Fund Rules and the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company.
Cabinet members, the Chief Secretary, additional chief secretaries, senior member board of revenue and administrative secretaries attended the meeting.