“KPK Agriculture Project: High Court’s Impact on Future Plans”

Peshawar High Court Intervenes in Agriculture Project Dispute

On Wednesday, the agriculture secretary was directed by the Peshawar High Court to respond to a petition. The petition, submitted by Saba Akbar and 170 other agriculture officers (BPS-17), contests the exclusion of their project. The omission of this project from the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for 2024-25 is being challenged. The court’s orders require a formal response to this issue. The court, led by Justice Shakeel Ahmad and Justice Fazal Subhan, set the next hearing for September 2. The petitioners have urged the court to compel the government to extend the project, citing the underutilization of 70 percent of its budget.

Background of the Agriculture Project

In 2021-22, the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa initiated an ‘information and communication technology-based improvement of agriculture extension services’ project under the Agriculture Transformation Plan. This project was part of a broader effort to modernize agricultural practices in the region. The project, which included a total budget of Rs2,000 million for settled areas, was similarly launched for the erstwhile Fata region with an approved PC-I in December 2021.

Concerns Raised by Petitioners

The petitioners, who were appointed as agriculture officers under this project on January 17, 2023, argue that their work has been critical to the project’s success. They highlight their high qualifications, including completed PhD and MPhil courses in relevant subjects. Despite their contributions and appreciation letters, the new government has not included the project in the ADP for 2024-25. The petitioners argue that the previous government had extended the project until July 26, 2024. However, the new administration seems to be undermining.

The petitioners argue that omitting their project from the ADP is unjust, especially given the substantial unutilized budget. They contend that extending the project would be both straightforward and beneficial. Approximately 70 percent of the Rs2,000 million allocated remains unused, supporting their case for an extension. The petitioners have made several appeals to the agriculture secretary, which they allege have been ignored. They also point out that similar projects in Punjab and Sindh have been extended, further fueling their claims of unfair treatment.

Next Steps and Legal Proceedings

The Peshawar High Court’s involvement marks a significant step in addressing the petitioners’ grievances. By scheduling the next hearing for September 2, the court aims to clarify the appropriateness of excluding the project from the ADP. Consequently, the petitioners are seeking judicial intervention to prevent any adverse actions against them. Moreover, they want to ensure that the project’s potential is fully realized. Therefore, the outcome of this case could have broader implications for managing and extending agricultural development projects in the future.

The ongoing legal proceedings will likely shed light on the government’s decision-making process and whether it aligns with previous commitments to agricultural development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

I have written this blog in the form of a blog after reading it from Dawn newspaper.

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