PESHAWAR, Oct 27: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to release Rs267.5 million to the administration of terror-hit Malakand division to pay compensation to the heirs of policemen killed and injured in combat.

Matters related to compensation of damage due to war on terror, strengthening of police force, facilities for heirs of policemen and prime minister's package for security purposes were discussed during the meeting.

The meeting was attended among others by finance minister Muhammad Hamayun Khan, chief secretary Ghulam Dastageer, IGP Fayaz Khan Toru and administrative secretaries of finance, planning and development, and home departments.

The meeting was informed that unavailability of funds was the main reason for the delay in payment of compensation to the families of those killed and injured in terrorism incidents.

Mr Hoti directed the finance department to release the funds and asked the administration of Malakand division to resolve problems of the affected families on priority.

Facilities, plots and cash awards for the affected families of policemen, free education for children and payment of salaries till completion of their service tenure, annual increments and other benefits were also reviewed at the meeting.

The chief minister said that police force of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had gallantly faced terrorism and the present government would do its best for the welfare of police.

Meanwhile, Mr Hoti also chaired a detailed briefing on Bacha Khan Poverty Alleviation Programme (BKPAP) and said that the programme was playing an effective role in provision of employment opportunities, social security and health insurance to poor people.

Participants of the meeting included SRSP chairperson Ms Munawer Hamayun, BKPAP coordinator Omer Mohammad, former chief secretary Mohammed Azam Khan, Col. (retired) Alamzeb, former managing director Bank of Khyber Bashir Ahmad and other high officials.

The meeting was informed that the BKPAP was successfully moving ahead in 40 selected union councils of Mardan, Karak, Upper Dir and Battagram.

The chief minister announced that the BKPAP would soon be launched in the remaining union councils of these districts.

The meeting also discussed different aspects of the BKPAP such as social mobilisation, membership, training, stability of livelihood, and farm and agriculture services.