Accelerated Implementation Programme: Govt releases Rs35.968bn funding package for KP's merged districts
The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives has released a major funding package of Rs 35.968 billion with approval of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the AIP.
This approval, issued in line with the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, represents a critical step toward the sustained development and uplift of the newly merged areas (formerly FATA), aiming to ensure inclusive growth and long-term stability in the region.
The initiative falls under the broader Ten-Year Development Plan for Ex-FATA, implemented through the Federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2024–25. With this latest funding authorisation, the total allocation for the AIP Programme under the current fiscal year reaches Rs 42.315 billion.
Iqbal emphasised the significance of this investment.
'We are unlocking Rs35 billion for the Newly Merged Areas—one of the biggest investments for the uplift of the area and the communities have ever seen. It's not just numbers; it's hope for families who have waited too long for light, for education, for safety,' the minister said.
According to a handout issued by the Ministry of Planning on Tuesday, the allocated funds will support a series of transformative projects aimed at bridging development gaps and improving living standards across the region. Key initiatives include the solarisation of off-grid households, with Rs 13.5 billion set aside to provide solar energy solutions to 120,000 households or implement a 50 MW utility-scale micro grid, ensuring sustainable and affordable power access.
Additionally, Rs 7 billion has been allocated for the construction of police stations and police posts, including the transformation of Levies forces, to enhance law enforcement capacity and public safety in the region.
The development of FATA University has also been given, with Rs 2.5 billion earmarked for strengthening its academic and institutional infrastructure, providing youth from the region with greater access to quality higher education.
Furthermore, an amount of Rs13.145 billion, as requested by the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has been authorised to clear outstanding liabilities for ongoing schemes, ensuring the timely completion of critical infrastructure and development projects.
Minister Iqbal reiterated the government's commitment to inclusive development: 'These are real steps toward a better, brighter future.' 'Our message is simple: Newly Merged Districts are important priority of Federal Government. We look forward to working with KP government above partisan lines for the development of a region, which has suffered greatly due to terrorism,' he said.
He said that this landmark funding package reaffirms the federal government's resolve to uplift underdeveloped regions and integrate them fully into the national development framework, ensuring equitable growth, improved governance, and social cohesion across Pakistan.
Funds may be utilised under supervision of a steering committee headed by the chief minister KP, with minister finance KP and a federal minister and secretary planning and rep of 11 Corp HQ as members.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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