PESHAWAR:A review meeting on the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2026-27 for the Higher Education Sector was held under the chairmanship of Adviser to the Governor, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Education and Social Welfare, Dr. Aamer Abdullah.
The meeting undertook a detailed review of ongoing and new development projects, their financial progress, fund releases, and implementation status.
Secretary Higher Education, Archives and Libraries Abidullah Kakakhel, Special Secretary Fazal Hussain, and other relevant departmental officials attended the meeting.
During the meeting, Dr. Aamer Abdullah directed that work on the remaining phases of development projects involving government colleges nearing completion or already completed be expedited to ensure that these educational institutions become functional at the earliest.
He emphasized that where projects were facing unnecessary delays despite the release of funds, the relevant responsibilities should be determined and the issues resolved promptly. He further directed that any impediments on the part of the Communication and Works Department in the completion or handover of projects should be addressed effectively through the relevant forums.
The Adviser for Education set March 15 as the deadline for completing the project aimed at providing essential facilities in government colleges. He also directed that the project for the provision of sports equipment, machinery and other necessary items be completed within one month of its approval. He stressed the need to expedite the development scheme for the repair of existing colleges and construction of additional infrastructure.
Dr. Aamer Abdullah directed that the issue of salaries of employees working under the Quality Assurance Programme in the Higher Education Sector be resolved on a priority basis. The relevant officials assured him that the salaries of programme employees would be released by the coming Friday.
He also directed the department to submit weekly performance reports on the implementation of projects included in the 100-Day Plan of “Badalta Khyber Pakhtunkhwa”. He stated that the department’s performance would be formally reviewed every Friday to ensure regular monitoring and timely implementation of the planned initiatives.
Regarding the project aimed at improving facilities in hostels of public sector universities, Dr. Aamer Abdullah directed the concerned authorities to seek proposals and detailed assessments of requirements from the universities for improving washrooms, dining areas and common rooms. He emphasized that these three essential facilities should be prioritized, while other requirements should also be identified in accordance with the needs of the respective universities.
On the occasion, Dr. Aamer Abdullah stated that public funds must be utilized for purposeful and public-oriented development projects whose benefits could be genuinely enjoyed by the people. He stressed that unnecessary or ineffective projects should be avoided and directed the Higher Education Department to fulfil its responsibilities by ensuring the relevance, timely completion and effective implementation of development initiatives.