PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet at a meeting approved the gazette notification of Bashkar in Garam Chashma Lower Chitral as the biosphere reserve under Section 30 of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife and Biodiversity Act 2015.
This and a site in Gallyat were added to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves on June 14, 2023 by UNESCO. With this recognition, Pakistan now has a total of four internationally acknowledged biosphere reserves, including Lal Suhanra (Punjab) and Ziarat Juniper Forest (Balochistan), contributing to the global network of 758 biosphere reserves.
The two reserves were identified to meet international commitments under the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami Program aimed at afforestation, restoration of degraded lands, forests, protection of wildlife and expanding Pakistan’s biosphere.
Chairing the meeting, Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur termed this development significant and directed the formulation of a comprehensive strategy for the protection of such sites.
Meanwhile, the cabinet also approved a Rs33 billion as supplementary budget grant to various sectors by enhancing their sectoral allocations in the Annual Development Program 2024-25.
The extra funds are allocated to high priority and due for completion projects with the aim to boost up the high impact projects. This increase was made possible by the stringent measures, financial discipline and the efficient utilization of the allocated budget.
The cabinet also approved the enhancement of the volume of ‘Ehsaas Hunar Program’ to Rs3050 million. Under this scheme, interest fee loans will be provided to the youth having technical and vocational skills for self-employment/entrepreneurships. The Bank of Khyber will serve as service provider for the project.
Similarly, the cabinet also approved amendments to Rules 10 and 11 of the West Pakistan Notaries Rules 1965, increasing the fees for appointment, area extension, renewal and issuance of duplicates. Originally set in 1965 at Rs100, Rs50, Rs25, and Rs5, respectively, these fees have now been revised to Rs20,000 for appointment, Rs10,000 for area extension, Rs10,000 for renewal and Rs2,000 for duplicates. Fee with respect to other notarial work under Rule-11 have also been enhanced.
The cabinet also approved a supplementary grant of Rs1726.100 million for two ADP schemes to ensure completion of all the 760 earthquake-effected units (schools) in the province. The earthquake of 8th October, 2005 had caused large scale destruction of infrastructure including 3700 Educational institutes mostly in four districts of Hazara Division and one district of Malakand Division(Shangla) were badly affected.
The cabinet also approved the release of Rs5 million to the Higher Education Department as prize money to be distributed among outstanding performers as a reward for their dedication and hard work in different sports activities. This will motivate young athletes and strengthen sports in educational institutions. The chief minister appreciated the excellent organization of the sports gala. Regarding the polo game, he indicated that polo matches would be held in Peshawar in addition to Shandur.