ABBOTTABAD: Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has directed that authorities concerned fill the vacant posts of doctors in government hospitals within two months and ensure availability of medicines and equipment there to improve healthcare delivery in the province.

He issued the directives while speaking at a meeting held at the office of the Hazara division commissioner here on Saturday to review the progress on the 99-point public agenda of the provincial government.

Commissioner Syed Zaheerul Islam, deputy commissioners, district police officers, and heads of line departments from across the division were in attendance.

Mr Gandapur was updated on the progress made so far on the public agenda. He directed that the officials further enhance the implementation process.

He ordered the deputy commissioners to hold public forums (Khuli Kutcherys) at the district headquarters and the assistant commissioners in their respective tehsils. He also emphasised that deputy commissioners and district police officers must dedicate at least one hour daily for public meetings at their offices.

The chief minister ordered crackdown on illegal mining and stone crushing plants across the division.

He directed that registration of all unregistered grain godowns should be complete by January 1, and mandated the relocation of patwar offices to their respective circles by the same deadline.” Officials who fail to comply will face removal from their positions.”

Mr Gandapur instructed the departments to hold monthly review meetings, also participated by elected public representatives, to ensure transparency and accountability in development projects.

He emphasised effective public outreach by government officials and parliamentarians to raise awareness about public issues. He also advocated using social media for better communication and public feedback regarding development projects.

“Development projects are funded by taxpayers’ money. It is crucial for citizens to take ownership of these projects. I urge the public to act as a team with the government, monitor project quality and report substandard work. The government will take strict action against such issues,” the chief minister stated.

He also called for building public trust in government institutions, stating that no progress was possible without public support.

To streamline inspections, Mr Gandapur said that a unified team comprising officials from relevant departments conduct shop and business inspections to avoid unnecessary harassment of business owners. “First-time violations should result in warnings, followed by penalties for repeated offenses, with fines to be collected through an e-payment system.”

He emphasised the need for stringent action against drug dealers, urging law enforcement to target major culprits and ensure they receive exemplary punishment. He also ordered that drug addicts from Hazara division be sent to Peshawar for rehabilitation.

Mr Gandapur announced the establishment of eight degree colleges – four girls and four boys – in rented buildings in four underprivileged districts of Hazara to address educational challenges in the region.

He also said that medical college classes should begin in an available government building in Mansehra. He also directed the officials to prioritise funding for the completion of ongoing road infrastructure projects in the division.

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2024