The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday adopted a series of resolutions and motions addressing pressing provincial issues, including the repatriation of Pakistani students stranded in Afghanistan, education sector reforms, legislative oversight, and rising commodity prices.
The House unanimously passed a resolution urging the immediate return of Pakistani students enrolled in Afghan educational institutions, who have been stranded due to the prolonged closure of the Pak-Afghan border. The resolution, moved by government lawmaker Ubaidur Rehman, called on both federal and provincial authorities to establish facilitation centres and health desks at border points to ensure the students’ safe return.
Awami National Party (ANP) member Nisar Baz highlighted the plight of students unable to return from regions like Chaman and Torkham, stressing the need for coordinated government action.
In another key development, the Assembly approved the formation of a special parliamentary committee to investigate the May 9 attack on the Radio Pakistan Peshawar building. The motion, presented by Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam, aligns with a cabinet decision authorizing a detailed inquiry.
Addressing education reforms, Provincial Education Minister Rashid Ayub highlighted the shift from politically influenced teacher recruitment to merit-based hiring through the National Testing Service. He noted that KP has roughly 35,000 schools, nearly 175,000 teachers, and a total education workforce exceeding 200,000. Ayub added that the cabinet has approved Rs6.5 billion for school improvements, and 16,500 teachers have been recruited, with a proposal for an additional 10,000 contractual hires under consideration. He also announced an e-transfer policy for teachers from grades 12 to 18 to curb political interference.
The session also discussed surging prices of wheat, fruit, and flour. Housing Minister Dr Amjad reported that flour prices have escalated from around Rs800 per bag to nearly Rs2,400, with bread prices determined by district price assessment committees in consultation with naanbai associations.
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Finally, Law Minister Aftab Alam presented the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Adhoc Lecturers (Regularisation of Services) Bill 2025, marking a significant legislative step toward stabilizing employment in the education sector. The session, marked by extensive debate, reflected the Assembly’s focus on urgent social, economic, and educational concerns affecting the province.