Mardan: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mohammad Sohail Afridi has announced a Rs50 billion development package for Mardan, while attributing the province's deteriorating law and order situation to what he described as failed state policies.

Addressing a large public gathering at Mardan Railway Ground attended by thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, the Chief Minister outlined major allocations under the development plan, including Rs24 billion for infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and flyovers.

He said Rs6.2 billion would be spent on elementary education, Rs5.512 billion on the health sector, Rs3 billion on irrigation and dams, and Rs2 billion on solarizing schools. An additional Rs1 billion has been allocated for education projects and Rs5 billion for development in various union councils.

The event featured speeches by several PTI leaders, including Barrister Gohar, Junaid Akbar, Aleem Adil Sheikh, Shandana Gulzar, and Asad Qaiser. Speakers reiterated support for party leadership and called for the release and medical treatment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.

The Chief Minister also announced that the next provincial assembly session would be held in an open ground and confirmed continued protest activities. He emphasized his support for dialogue-based approaches to security challenges and appreciated public participation in the gathering.