Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ameer Haider Khan Hoti formally launched 'Bacha Khan Khapal Rozgar Scheme' worth rupees one billion, in a simple but impressive gathering at the Chief Minister's House on Wednesday. Under the scheme, interest-free loans on easy conditions would be offered to low-income, unemployed and skilled men and women.
On the occasion, an MoU was also signed between the Provincial Industries department and the Bank of Khyber. Addressing the ceremony, the Chief Minister KP said: "Inauguration of this scheme associated with Bacha Khan Baba is an honour for me. This scheme will help cement the economy of the province and will provide employment opportunities to the poor."
The Chief Minister said that under the scheme loans would be offered purely on need and merit basis. "It would be free from political influence as it is associated with the name of a personality, whose services were beyond politics," he assured. Hoti said that besides Bacha Khan Khapal Rozgar Scheme, the provincial government had also planned Benazir Hepatitis Programme, training programmes for the youth and provision of scholarships to students for higher education in foreign countries.
He said present situation of the province demands efforts based on good governance for the eradication of poverty and unemployment. "The provincial government is taking practical steps to reduce poverty, provision of education, health and justice to the people," he added. The Chief Minister said that the volume of schemes would be increased with the support of BoK. He said that certain things needed to be above politics and there was no room for politics in service to humanity.
The Chief Minister lauded Provincial Finance Minister Mohammed Humayun Khan, Provincial Minister for Industries Ahmad Hussain Shah, Secretary Finance Sahibzada Saeed and the BoK for their efforts in making the scheme a success and assured positive role of the government. The CM also announced extension in services of MD BoK.
Hoti further said that the overseas Pakistanis had lauded the government's brave stance and steps against terrorism during his current visit to London. "I told them that it was all due to political and people ownership," he added. He said that peace and stability in Pakistan is linked with stability in Afghanistan and international forces must play their role in this regard.
Earlier, Provincial Secretary Industries and Executive Vice President BoK Imran Samad formally signed the MoU. Provincial Minister Ahmad Hussain also addressed the gathering. Executive Vice President BoK and MD Bilal Mustafa threw detailed light on objectives of the scheme, procedures, volume of loans and recovery time frame.
They said, under the scheme, interest-free loans up to Rs 100,000 on easy conditions would be offered to low-income, unemployed and skilled men and women who are permanent residents of KP. The forms for obtaining loan would be available from 15th February in all branches of BoK and also on the bank's website.
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