PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi paid a surprise visit to Zamung Kor and the Women Crisis Centre established for orphaned and destitute girls, in order to personally review the facilities being provided and to further strengthen measures related to their welfare and well-being. During the visit, the Chief Minister interacted with the girls residing at Zamung Kor, attentively listened to their concerns, and issued on-the-spot directives for immediate redressal to ensure that no complaint or deficiency remained unresolved. The Chief Minister stated that the care and protection of state children is both a constitutional and moral responsibility of the government, and emphasized that negligence in this regard would not be tolerated. Taking notice of flu among some of the resident girls, the Chief Minister immediately summoned medical professionals and ensured on-site medical examinations to facilitate timely treatment and safeguard the health of the children. He further directed the administration to prepare food menus in accordance with the girls’ preferences and nutritional requirements, and to ensure the uninterrupted provision of healthy and quality food, underscoring that proper nutrition is essential for healthy growth and overall development. Reiterating that the education, training, and comprehensive welfare of orphaned and destitute girls remain among the top priorities of the provincial government, the Chief Minister assured that all available resources would be utilized to achieve these objectives. In view of the winter season, he ordered the immediate provision of water geysers, heaters, shoes, warm clothing, and sweaters to protect the girls from the harsh weather conditions. Keeping in view the mental, emotional, and creative development of the girls, the Chief Minister also directed that swings, toys, a computer laboratory, painting materials, and other recreational facilities be provided in accordance with their expressed needs, so that they may grow and learn in safe, supportive, and positive environment. The Chief Minister further assured the up-gradation of the Zamung Kor School and a new building for the girls’ campus, which will contribute towards improved educational standards and enhanced learning facilities. He stated that, in line with the vision of Imran Khan, the concept of a welfare state is being practically implemented in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the state assumes responsibility for the care and protection of vulnerable and marginalized segments of society. He added that welfare institutions across the province will continue to be strengthened to ensure that deserving individuals do not face any sense of deprivation, and that available resources are utilized in an efficient and effective manner to achieve these objectives. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025