Adviser to Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Information and Public Relations, Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement, Samar Haroon Bilour, has sought a comprehensive record of recruitments, budget allocations and development projects undertaken by the Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement Department over the past 13 years.
She issued these directives while chairing an introductory meeting of the department, attended by Secretary Relief Yousaf Rahim and representatives of its attached institutions.
During the meeting, the Secretary Relief briefed the Adviser on the department’s administrative structure, rules and regulations, responsibilities of attached institutions, overall performance and reform agenda.
Officials of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) briefed her on disaster preparedness, early warning systems, emergency planning, damage assessment and compensation for disaster-affected people. Rescue 1122 officials highlighted emergency response operations, medical assistance, patient transportation, firefighting and specialized rescue services, while Civil Defence officials outlined their activities relating to public safety, volunteer training and fire safety.
Samar Haroon Bilour directed the Secretary Relief to submit a complete and verified record of all recruitments made in the department over the past 13 years. She also sought details of budget allocations, release and utilization of funds, along with a comprehensive record of ADP and non-ADP schemes, including their approval, expenditure, implementation progress and completion status.
She directed the concerned officials to ensure transparency and maintain properly documented and verifiable records of all recruitment, financial and development-related matters.
Speaking at the meeting, Samar Haroon Bilour said that climate change, terrorism and challenges relating to illegally residing foreign nationals had increased the importance of the Relief Department and its attached institutions.
She stressed the need for advance disaster preparedness, effective emergency planning and coordinated efforts among relevant departments to ensure timely assistance during emergencies.
She said that providing prompt relief to the public, ensuring an effective emergency response and rehabilitating affected families were among the government’s key priorities.
“A transforming, booming and steadfast Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is our vision,” Adviser said, adding that institutional reforms, transparency and capacity-building measures would be introduced to improve the performance of the Relief Department and its attached institutions.
She emphasized that all relevant institutions must work towards ensuring efficient service delivery and timely assistance to the public.