KP cabinet approves university, education reforms, austerity measures

The 50th meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet was held on Friday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, where key decisions were approved across multiple sectors, with proceedings conducted via video link under the government’s austerity policy

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Apr, 2026) The 50th meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet was held on Friday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, where key decisions were approved across multiple sectors, with proceedings conducted via video link under the government’s austerity policy.

The cabinet deliberated on a 28-point agenda along with four additional items and approved several major initiatives.

Briefing the media, Special Assistant for Information Shafi Jan said the cabinet approved the establishment of a state-of-the-art University of Applied and Modern Sciences in the merged districts, and constituted a special committee headed by the Local Government Minister to finalize the project.

As part of austerity measures, the cabinet decided to abolish 55 vacant support staff posts at the Agriculture University, saving around Rs 9 million monthly.

It also agreed in principle to a voluntary deduction of two days’ basic salary from government officers in Grade 20 and above. Officials informed the meeting that fuel and POL expenditures on official vehicles have already been reduced by 60 percent under the policy.

In the education sector, the cabinet approved the launch of Matric Tech and Inter Tech programmes at a cost of Rs 450 million.

Under the initiative, 70 government schools will be upgraded as centres of excellence, while 1,650 students will be awarded scholarships to acquire modern technical skills.

The cabinet also approved posting and transfer guidelines in higher education to address faculty shortages in remote colleges.

In the health sector, the cabinet approved granting MTI status to Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals and released Rs 993 million to operationalize Timergara Medical College. It also sanctioned the creation of 598 new nursing posts in various hospitals.

Additionally, the cabinet approved a grant of Rs 10 million for Fatimid Foundation to support treatment of children suffering from thalassemia, along with financial assistance for 27 patients battling complex diseases.

Among other decisions, Rs 785 million was approved for the Relief Department to tackle potential emergencies during the monsoon season, Rs 20 million for affected families in Arandu area of Lower Chitral, and financial support for wheelchair cricket players participating in Pak-Afghan series and Asia Cup.

The cabinet also approved digital payment of electricity fees and the Budget Strategy Paper for the fiscal year 2026-27.