No Lapses to Be Tolerated in Rural Economic Transformation Project: CM Suhail Afridi
Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister **Suhail Afridi** has said that no negligence will be tolerated in the implementation of the **Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETP)**, emphasizing that the initiative holds the potential to transform the lives of poor communities across the province.
According to a statement issued by the **Chief Minister’s House**, Afridi chaired a high-level meeting in Peshawar to review the progress of the RETP. Expressing strong displeasure over the project’s slow pace, he directed officials to streamline all operations immediately, warning that **any form of inefficiency or delay would be unacceptable**.
CM Afridi stressed that the project must be implemented strictly according to the approved **timelines and PC-1s**, ensuring **100% merit and full transparency** in the use of public funds. He said the initiative will strengthen the provincial economy, create new employment opportunities, and lay the foundation for **sustainable growth in the agricultural sector**.
Briefing the meeting, officials informed the chief minister that the **Rural Economic Transformation Project** is being carried out in collaboration with the **International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)** at a total cost exceeding **Rs 30 billion**. Of this, **58% is funded by IFAD**, **16% by the provincial government**, and **26% by project beneficiaries**. The seven-year project aims to benefit **over 4.3 million people** in rural Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The project focuses on key areas such as **agribusiness development, skill enhancement, job creation, and policy support**. Under the agribusiness component, **550 professional farmer organizations** will be established, while the skills development program aims to **train 60,000 youth**, with **20,000 already trained** so far.
Concluding the meeting, CM Suhail Afridi said the RETP will serve as a **milestone for prosperity, self-reliance, and sustainable rural development** in the province.
