K-P cabinet clears 2,400 doctors’ hiring

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has defended the recruitment of 2,400 doctors on contract, declaring that the entire hiring process was conducted transparently and strictly on merit.

PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has defended the recruitment of 2,400 doctors on contract, declaring that the entire hiring process was conducted transparently and strictly on merit.

The decision was endorsed during the provincial cabinet’s final meeting of the fiscal year 2025-26, chaired by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, where members reviewed governance reforms, development initiatives and budget implementation priorities.

Addressing the meeting, the chief minister described the next three months as crucial for translating the newly approved budget into practical relief for citizens. He said government performance would be judged by improvements in public services and the satisfaction of people at the grassroots level rather than official presentations or publicity campaigns.

He appreciated cabinet members and officials of the Finance and Planning and Development departments for preparing what he described as a people-friendly budget focused on public welfare. He directed all departments to ensure effective implementation of development projects and service delivery initiatives.

Discussing the doctors’ recruitment drive, the chief minister said several complaints had been received through the Chief Minister’s Complaint Cell, including concerns regarding personal details and merit-related issues. Following a detailed review, the government concluded that the recruitment process had complied with all rules and regulations.

He said some complaints stemmed from misunderstandings about the recruitment procedure, but assured that the complaint mechanism would remain active and that any proven injustice would be addressed. According to the chief minister, deserving candidates would be accommodated wherever possible due to the province’s shortage of medical professionals.

The cabinet also approved a number of administrative and institutional reforms aimed at improving governance and public service delivery across the province.

Among the key decisions was the closure of the Transport Department’s Driving School and the transfer of its staff to a newly established Driving Cell that will oversee and regulate private driving schools.

The cabinet further approved amendments to succession and inheritance rules, granting a complete waiver of related fees for the legal heirs of armed forces personnel, police officials and civilians who lost their lives in acts of terrorism or conflict.

In another decision, two kanals of land in Ratta Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan were transferred to National Database and Registration Authority for the establishment of a regional office.

The provincial cabinet also approved the formation of a Debt Management Committee and the creation of a Digital Governance Enablement Unit within the Finance Department to strengthen financial management and accelerate digital reforms.

Additionally, approval was granted for the 20 million dollar Public Resources for Inclusive Development programme aimed at improving provincial revenues and expanding digital public services.

Funds were also allocated for pursuing the province’s National Finance Commission case and for strengthening healthcare infrastructure, including support for services at Government General Hospital Nishtarabad.