PESHAWAR : A high level delegation of Switzerland led by Assistant State Secretary for Asia and Pacific Division Ambassador Beat Nobs called on Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Amir Haidar Khan Hoti at Pakhtunkhwa House Islamabad on Monday, said an official release here Monday.
Other members of the delegations were Ambassador of Switzerland to Pakistan Christoph Bubb, Senior Regional Coordinator Political Affairs Peter Nelson, Country Director Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation Andreas Huber, Deputy Head Embassy of Switzerland Nicolas Plattner and Defence Attache Embassy of Switzerland Lt. Col. Marcus Maedar.
Matters pertaining to bilateral relations, collective situation of the region, reconstruction and rehabilitation of terrorism and flood devastated infrastructure, development strategy of the province particularly initiatives in education sector, progress on ongoing schemes with assistance of Switzerland and other matters of mutual interests remained under discussion during the meeting.
The Chief Minister welcomed the delegation and thanked the Swiss Government for its assistance and services in construction and development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Chief Minister said that particular situation prevailing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa demand promotion of education because we believe extremism can be defeated through spreading light of education.
The present government is following policy of ensuring access of common man to education at all levels and priority to girls’ education.
He said that expenditure of 4% of provincial resources on development of education sector has been decided.
The Chief Minister said that countless number of primary, middle and high schools, more than 50 colleges and 7 universities have been established in length and breadth of the province during last four years.
The Chief Minister also appraised the delegation of steps for rehabilitation and reconstruction of terrorism and flood devastated infrastructure in light of PCNA developed with collaboration of donors and provincial development funds have been shifted to this cause.
The Chief Minister said that terrorism is mode of thinking and unemployment, poverty and illiteracy have enhanced this thinking, adding space created due to these elements was utilized by militants for their evil agenda. The present government is heading in the right direction for filling this gap.
The Chief Minister said that the political, administrative and financial responsibilities of the provincial government have increased due to 18the amendment. He termed donors’ assistance and cooperation essential for better dispensation of these responsibilities.
He said that practical work on projects under action plan of provincial hydel power generation has commenced in order to take part in lessening national energy crisis, added, a total of 2100 MW electricity would be generated through 24 power houses.
The members of the delegation lauded successful efforts of provincial government for establishment of peace, rehabilitation and reconstruction and development sectors and expressed well wishes.
The CM was also apprised of minerals and tourism capabilities in Switzerland. The CM was assured for assistance in construction and development of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including education sector.
