Ex-CM moves PHC against Swat uplift projects removal from ADP

By Amjad Safi

September 25, 2024

Former chief minister KP and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-Parliamentarians (PTIP) Chairman Mahmood Khan seen in this image. — APP/File

PESHAWAR: Former chief minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-Parliamentarians (PTIP) Chairman Mahmood Khan on Tuesday moved the Peshawar High Court (PHC) to challenge the removal of 26 development projects for Swat from the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2024/25.

Mahmood Khan filed the petition through his counsel Sultan Muhammad Khan

Advocate.He requested the court to ensure the release of funds for these projects until the final decision on the petition was made.

The KP chief minister, chief secretary, the additional chief secretary of Planning and Development, secretary of Communication and Works, secretary of Finance, secretary of Local Government and others were named as respondents in the petition.

According to the petitioner, the projects were approved by the provincial cabinet during his tenure as chief minister and were included in the ADP 2021-22.The projects included the restoration of flood-damaged infrastructure, the establishment of an agricultural complex, the renovation of 100 mosques in Upper Swat, the upgrading of health centres including Kalam Civil Hospital, the setting up of a Government College for Management Sciences and a paraplegic centre, water supply and flood protection schemes.

However, he said the projects were dropped from the ADP 2024/25 following the formation of the new provincial government after the February 2024 general election.Mahmood Khan argued that it was an injustice to the people of Swat. He said the development initiatives were crucial for the well-being of the local people. The petition pointed out that decisions approved by the provincial cabinet could not be removed from the ADP.

The petitioner maintained that the government’s move to exclude these projects from the ADP was unconstitutional and politically motivated, thus violating Article 38 of the Constitution.Mahmood Khan sought court orders to restore the schemes and direct the government not to withhold funds allocated for these projects until a decision on the case.