PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on Sunday stressed the need for utilising national resources efficiently for economic development.

He inaugurated the newlyestablished centre of excellence, a state-of-the-art research facility built at a cost of Rs650 million during his visit to Agriculture Research Institute in Tarnab. He lamented that despite Pakistan`s abundant nat-ural resources past governments failed to leverage them wisely.

He stressed the need for financial self-reliance to achieve true independence.

The facility is meant to advance agricultural research in the province, according to a statement issued here from Chief Minister`s Secretariat.

As part of the initiative to strengthen the agriculture sector, the chief minister also handed over 90 motorcycles, six tractors and six mini-trucks to agriculture department. He also toured various stalls set up at the research institute, showcasing innovations and advancements in the sector.

The chief minister was accompanied by provincial ministers retired Major Mohammad Sajjad and Pakhtun Yar, Peshawar Commissioner Riaz Mehsud and senior officials of agriculturedepartment. He highlighted his government`s commitment to strengthening provincial institutions financially and operationally.

During his visit, the chief minister underscored the critical role of research in enhancing agricultural productivity, stating that the newly-established center would be instrumental in achieving that goal.

He reaffirmed the government`s dedication to food security and increased agricultural output, citing expedited completion of long-pending small dam projects.

Over the past year, these efforts have brought 400,000 kanals of land under cultivation, with an additional four small dam projects set for completion this year.

Mr Gandapur noted that progress on Chashma Right BankLift Canal project, which, upon completion, would bring millions of acres of barren land under cultivation, significantly contributing to the country`s food supply.

`If we want to move forward, we must embrace change, identify weaknesses and work collectively for national progress,` he said. He urged a shift from personal interests to collective national development, calling it essential for sustainable growth.

Mr Gandapur also clarified his government`s hiring policy for merged districts, stating that non-technical and local-level positions would be reserved for residents of those areas, with no hiring from settled districts. He added that for technical positions, preference would be given to local candidates, ensuring better efficiency and improved departmental performance.