Samar Haroon Bilour, Adviser to the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information, Public Relations, Relief, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, has sought complete records of all recruitments, allocated budgets, release and utilisation of funds, and development projects undertaken by the Relief Department over the past 13 years.
She directed the relevant authorities to compile and submit comprehensive details of all financial, administrative and development matters in a transparent and verifiable manner.
An introductory meeting of the Relief, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Department was held under the chairmanship of Adviser Samar Haroon Bilour. The meeting reviewed the performance of the department and its attached organisations, administrative structure, rules and regulations, and reform agenda.
During the meeting, Relief Secretary Yousaf Rahim gave a detailed briefing on the department’s administrative structure, responsibilities, performance of attached organisations and ongoing reform initiatives.
On the occasion, Samar Haroon Bilour directed the Relief Secretary to submit complete and authenticated records of all recruitments made in the department during the past 13 years.
She also sought a comprehensive report detailing the department’s allocated budgets, release of funds and their utilisation over the same period.
The meeting further directed officials to provide 13-year records of Annual Development Programme (ADP) and non-ADP schemes, including their approvals, release of funds, expenditures, progress and completion status.
Samar Haroon Bilour emphasised that all records relating to recruitments, financial matters and development projects must be transparent, comprehensive and verifiable to ensure an effective assessment of the department’s performance and utilisation of resources.
The meeting was also briefed on the role of the department’s attached organisations in managing natural disasters and providing immediate assistance to the public during emergencies across the province.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) briefed participants on disaster preparedness, early warning systems, emergency planning, damage assessments and compensation payments to affected individuals.
Officials from Rescue 1122 presented details of their emergency response operations, medical services, patient transportation, firefighting activities and specialised rescue operations.
Meanwhile, Civil Defence officials briefed the meeting on ongoing initiatives related to public safety, volunteer training, fire safety and emergency preparedness.
Speaking on the occasion, Samar Haroon Bilour said the Relief Department and its attached organisations play a crucial role in addressing challenges arising from climate change, terrorism and issues related to foreigners residing illegally in the province.
She stated that providing timely relief to the public, ensuring an immediate response during emergencies and rehabilitating affected families remain among the government’s top priorities.
She directed officials to ensure advance preparations for natural disasters, effective emergency planning and coordinated communication among relevant institutions.
She also stressed the need to strengthen institutional capacity to make relief operations more effective and ensure timely, high-quality services for affected families.
The Relief Adviser said that “A Changing, Progressive and Strong Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” is the government’s vision, adding that concrete measures would be taken to introduce institutional reforms and enhance the capacity of the Relief Department and its attached organisations.
The meeting reaffirmed its commitment to advancing reforms aimed at reviewing the department’s administrative and financial performance, organising official records and improving the delivery of emergency services.
These measures are intended to ensure that people receive immediate, effective and transparent assistance during natural disasters and other emergency situations.
