PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provincial cabinet has approved a series of important decisions, including legislation related to prisons and witness protection, vehicle registration, prisoner remission and other administrative matters.
The decisions were taken during a provincial cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. KP Information Minister Shafi Jan briefed the media on the decisions and said the cabinet had approved several measures aimed at improving governance and administrative procedures in the province.
According to Shafi Jan, the cabinet was presented with the performance report of the Provincial Mohtasib (Ombudsman) Office for 2025. The cabinet approved the proposal to present the report before the provincial assembly.
The cabinet also approved measures concerning the prisons department and witness protection. Although these areas involve different aspects of the justice system, the decisions are intended to strengthen legal and administrative mechanisms within the province.
Among other decisions, the cabinet approved the establishment of two subordinate units. It also gave approval to a government-to-government (G2G) agreement and revised rates related to certain matters.
The cabinet further approved a two-month remission for prisoners involved in cases of a minor nature. The decision is intended to provide relief to eligible prisoners in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations.
In addition, following the decision regarding special remission, the cabinet approved the issuance of the necessary notification in accordance with established rules and procedures. The implementation of the remission will therefore be carried out through the relevant legal and administrative framework.
The meeting also discussed matters relating to the supply and distribution of water from Galiyat to Murree. The cabinet was briefed on the mechanism for water distribution, supply arrangements, applicable rates and outstanding dues.
After considering the matter, the cabinet approved a proposal to present the issue before the Council of Common Interests (CCI). The move is aimed at addressing the matter at the appropriate constitutional forum and seeking a coordinated resolution.
Vehicle registration was also among the matters considered by the provincial cabinet. The decisions are part of a broader set of administrative measures approved during the meeting.
The cabinet meeting comes as the provincial government continues to focus on reforms in public administration, the justice system and government services. The approval of legislation concerning prisons and witness protection is particularly significant because both areas are closely linked to the functioning of the criminal justice system.
Witness protection mechanisms are generally aimed at providing security and legal safeguards to individuals whose testimony may be important in criminal proceedings. Effective protection can help witnesses participate in cases without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
Similarly, reforms in prison administration can affect the treatment, rehabilitation and legal rights of prisoners. The approval of rules concerning remission could provide eligible inmates with relief while ensuring that such decisions remain subject to established legal procedures.
The cabinet’s decision regarding the Galiyat-Murree water issue also highlights the importance of inter-provincial and regional resource management. Water distribution can involve complex administrative, financial and constitutional questions, particularly when resources are shared across different areas.
By deciding to take the matter to the Council of Common Interests, the provincial government has opted to seek a solution through a constitutional platform designed to address disputes and issues involving the interests of the federation and provinces.
The cabinet also approved several other administrative measures during the meeting, reflecting the provincial government’s effort to address a range of governance-related issues through cabinet-level decisions.
Shafi Jan said the decisions were taken during the meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The information minister’s briefing provided details of the major decisions, including the approval of the prisons and witness protection measures, the Ombudsman’s annual report, prisoner remission, administrative units, revised rates and the G2G agreement.
The decisions will now move into the implementation stage, with the relevant departments expected to take the necessary administrative and legal steps.
The approval of the various measures demonstrates the provincial cabinet’s focus on institutional reforms, administrative efficiency and the resolution of longstanding issues through established legal and constitutional procedures.
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