Province launches Cashless K-P initiative, secures cabinet approval for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Digital Payments Act 2025
K-P CM Sohail Afridi. Photo: Screengrab
PESHAWAR:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has reaffirmed that delivering timely, high-quality public services to citizens is the topmost priority of his administration, as the province advances its ambitious Good Governance Roadmap to transform administrative efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
Presiding over a key review meeting via video link, the Chief Minister stressed that the roadmap has already yielded measurable improvements in government performance. “We are making institutions more effective and responsive, rebuilding public trust through faster, transparent service delivery,” he declared. Clear performance targets and a strong monitoring system have been introduced across departments to ensure citizens receive services without delay or compromise on quality.
Officials presented a detailed briefing on sector-wise achievements. In digital transformation, the province launched the Cashless K-P initiative and secured cabinet approval for the landmark Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Digital Payments Act 2025, making K-P the first in Pakistan to enact comprehensive legislation for a digital economy. The Act, soon to be tabled in the provincial assembly, mandates QR code-based payments in government and business transactions to boost transparency and financial inclusion. Over 100 public services have been digitized, including property transfers and issuance of land records (fard). The rollout of e-Summaries and e-Office systems has processed more than 1,500 summaries and over 600 files, significantly streamlining bureaucratic processes.
Health reforms featured prominently, with 150 Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs) upgraded to operate as 24/7 Childbirth Centers. Recruitment is progressing for 700 contract doctors to staff these facilities, while approval has been granted to hire 2,400 Medical Officers for vacant posts. Outsourcing of 72 health facilities is on track for completion by August this year.
Tourism development in scenic areas received a boost through outsourcing of solid waste management under the Galyat Development Authority. Master plans and land-use strategies are underway for Kalam, Kaghan, Kumrat, and Galyat regions. Interest-free loans totaling Rs150 million have been disbursed to locals for community-based tourist accommodations.
In agriculture, particularly in merged districts, grafting has converted 150,000 wild olive trees to high-yield European varieties. Farmers received 200 mechanized farming machines, and 700 water courses were upgraded with community involvement.
