Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a major expansion of its Safe City initiative, allocating PKR 5.8 billion in the 2026 27 provincial budget to extend the project to 13 districts as part of a broader strategy to enhance public security, improve surveillance capabilities and strengthen crime prevention across the province. According to the provincial budget documents, the expansion will introduce modern monitoring, communication and surveillance systems in both settled and newly merged districts, enabling law enforcement agencies to respond more effectively to security threats and criminal activity. The initiative is expected to improve coordination among security institutions while increasing the use of technology in policing and public safety operations. In addition to the district expansion, the government has earmarked PKR 350 million for the establishment of a state-of-the-art command and control centre in Peshawar, which will serve as the operational hub for monitoring and coordinating Safe City operations across the province. The project will be implemented in phases. Phase One will cover South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Orakzai and Kurram, with a proposed allocation of PKR 1.8 billion. Phase Two will extend the initiative to Khyber, Mohmand and Bajaur, further expanding the province's security monitoring network in strategically important border districts. The budget also proposes an additional PKR 700 million for the ongoing Peshawar Safe City project, where more than PKR 2 billion has already been invested in surveillance infrastructure and related security systems. Separate allocations have also been made for other districts. PKR 500 million has been proposed for Safe City projects in Kohat, Mardan and Swat, while Karak and Tank will receive PKR 350 million. An initial allocation of PKR 20 million has been earmarked for launching the project in Mansehra. Officials believe the expanded Safe City programme will enhance law enforcement capabilities through advanced surveillance technology, integrated communication systems and real-time monitoring, ultimately improving public safety, supporting crime prevention and strengthening the province's overall security infrastructure.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a Rs 2.17 trillion budget for the fiscal year 2026 27, placing a major emphasis on development projects, urban improvement, infrastructure expansion and regional uplift across the province. Presenting the budget in the KP Assembly, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said the provincial government has allocated Rs 524 billion for the Annual Development Programme, making development spending one of the central pillars of the new financial plan. The budget also sets aside Rs 35 billion for merged tribal districts, reflecting the government’s focus on infrastructure and public service delivery in previously underdeveloped areas. A major urban development component of the budget is the Rs 36 billion allocation for the Peshawar Rehabilitation Programme. The initiative is expected to support improvement of civic infrastructure, public spaces, roads and urban services in the provincial capital. The government has also earmarked Rs 7.5 billion for the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit project, indicating continued financial support for mass transit and urban mobility. In addition, Rs 4 billion has been allocated for the Khushhal Hazara Programme, aimed at regional development in Hazara division. The budget proposes Rs 42 billion for the energy sector, a key area linked with industrial growth, real estate development and long-term investment activity. The transport sector has been allocated Rs 14 billion, while local government has received Rs 90 billion, which may support municipal services, local infrastructure and development schemes at district level. The agriculture department has been allocated Rs. 29 billion, while Rs 2 billion has been proposed for the Ehsaas Kisan Programme. These allocations are expected to support rural development and strengthen the economic base of agricultural areas. The budget also includes Rs 2.5 billion for an electric bikes and rickshaws scheme, aimed at promoting cleaner and more affordable transport options in urban and semi-urban areas. The proposed budget will now be debated in the KP Assembly before being put to a vote for approval.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan The Federal Budget 2026-27 has generated cautious optimism among property dealers, contractors, builders and construction sector stakeholders across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as proposed tax relief measures are expected to revive real estate activity and encourage fresh investment in the sector. Among the key budget proposals welcomed by the property and construction community is the reduction in withholding tax on property transactions for tax filers. According to the proposals, withholding tax on property purchases would be reduced from 2.5 percent to 1.5 percent, while tax on property sales would be cut from 5.5 percent to 2.75 percent. Builders and contractors in the province believe these measures could help restore confidence in the property market, which has faced pressure in recent years due to higher taxation, inflation, reduced purchasing power and slow investment activity. In Nowshera, contractors Wisal Khan and Irshad Khan welcomed the proposed reduction in property-related taxes, saying the move would make property transactions more affordable for buyers and sellers. “These reductions will make property transactions easier and encourage investment in the real estate sector,” said Wisal Khan, chief executive of a private construction firm. He said that when the property market gains momentum, its benefits are not limited to builders and developers alone. The construction sector is directly linked with several allied industries, including cement, steel, pipes, sanitary fittings, electrical goods, furniture, paint, glass, tiles and transport. “When construction activity increases, dozens of industries benefit, and employment opportunities are created for skilled and unskilled workers,” he added. Stakeholders said the proposed tax relief could help bring back investors who had remained cautious due to higher transaction costs and uncertainty in the market. They believe that lower taxes may increase the number of documented property transactions and support formal economic activity. Real estate experts said that the property sector has long played an important role in Pakistan’s economy by generating investment, supporting urban development and creating employment. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, construction activity is also considered important for local markets, especially in Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan, Swat, Abbottabad, Dera Ismail Khan and other growing urban centres. Contractors said that any revival in real estate activity would also provide relief to daily wage labourers, masons, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, painters and transport workers who depend heavily on construction projects for income. Business leaders, however, expressed a more cautious view. While appreciating some relief measures, representatives of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the budget should include stronger steps to promote investment, industrial growth and private sector confidence. SCCI President Junaid Altaf welcomed the government’s decision to abolish the Super Tax and privatize loss-making state enterprises but said that ambitious revenue and growth targets would require practical policies and consistent implementation. Former SCCI President Zahidullah Shinwari also said that unemployment and industrial slowdown require focused attention, adding that investment-friendly policies are necessary to support long-term economic growth. Despite these reservations, the overall reaction from property and construction stakeholders remained positive. Many believe that the proposed reduction in property taxes could mark an important step toward reviving market activity, encouraging investment and supporting job creation. As the budget proposals move toward implementation, real estate and construction sector representatives said the real test would be whether the announced relief is applied effectively and whether it succeeds in bringing genuine momentum back to the property market. For now, the Federal Budget 2026-27 has offered renewed hope to builders, contractors, investors and allied industries across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with expectations that lower property taxes may help revive construction activity and support broader economic stability.