KP CM Claims Over Rs3 Trillion Payable by Federal Government, Launches ‘Ehsaas Umeed Programme’ for Special Persons
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister **Sohail Afridi** has claimed that the federal government owes more than **Rs3 trillion** to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, criticizing Islamabad for what he termed financial neglect and corruption.
Speaking during his visit to the **Special Education Complex Peshawar**, where he formally launched the **‘Ehsaas Umeed Programme’** for persons with severe disabilities, the chief minister said, *“The federal government has committed corruption of Rs5,300 billion, yet no one holds them accountable. We are delivering, but still fingers are pointed at us.”*
### **10,000 Special Persons to Benefit from Monthly Stipend**
During the briefing, officials informed the chief minister that under the Ehsaas Umeed Programme, **10,000 severely disabled individuals** will receive a **monthly stipend of Rs5,000**, to be transferred directly through **biometric verification** to ensure transparency.
The programme will cost **Rs300 million** from January to June 2026, and beneficiaries will be selected under the **Zakat Management Information System**.
### **23 New Transport Vehicles for Special Education Schools**
CM Afridi also handed over **23 new transport vehicles** to special education schools. Officials shared that the government spent **Rs377 million** on purchasing the vehicles.
Additionally, the province has provided **2,000 electric wheelchairs**, **2,500 manual wheelchairs**, and **800 tricycles** to persons with disabilities, at a total cost of **Rs760 million**.
### **‘Imran Khan’s Vision for the Vulnerable Is Our Guiding Path’**
Sohail Afridi said that the provincial government is committed to supporting vulnerable groups, adding that *“Imran Khan’s vision for the weak and deprived segments is our direction.”*
He instructed authorities to immediately distribute the available **Zakat funds among deserving individuals**, and to extend transport facilities to schools in the merged districts. He also directed that all missing facilities in special education schools be provided without delay.
