Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan Following federal approval, practical steps have been initiated to restore train services in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, marking an important development toward reviving railway connectivity in the province. According to sources, Pakistan Railways has formally begun progress on the restoration project and has also informed the provincial government. The initiative aims to reconnect key areas with the railway network and improve the overall transport system. In the first phase, work will be carried out on the rehabilitation of a 62 kilometer railway track between Peshawar, Nowshera, and Jehangira, which is considered a central component of the proposed network. The second phase includes the restoration of a 65-kilometer track between Nowshera, Mardan, and Dargai. Additionally, a 27 kilometer railway line between Mardan and Charsadda, and an 18-kilometer line from Peshawar to Jamrud are also part of the project. Sources further state that in later stages, a 60 kilometer railway section from Kohat to Jand will also be upgraded. Meanwhile, the process of appointing technical experts to represent the Pakistan Railways working group is underway. Officials say that the restoration of railway services will provide passengers with affordable, safe, and efficient travel facilities, while also boosting commercial activities and increasing the revenue of Pakistan Railways. They added that legal requirements are being fulfilled prior to restoration, and operations to remove encroachments in relevant areas have also begun to ensure the smooth completion of the project.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has directed authorities to accelerate work on ongoing motorway and expressway projects, stressing the need for an integrated road network to enhance connectivity and drive economic growth across the province. Chairing a meeting of the Communication and Works Department at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar, the chief minister reviewed the progress of ongoing and proposed infrastructure schemes, particularly road development initiatives in various regions. He instructed officials to prepare comprehensive proposals for inclusion in the upcoming Annual Development Programme (ADP), with special emphasis on improving road connectivity in the merged tribal districts. According to him, better road infrastructure would facilitate mobility, promote socio-economic development, and strengthen regional integration. Highlighting the critical role of infrastructure in sustainable growth, Afridi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing modern and high quality transport facilities to the public. He also directed that all newly constructed roads must include proper lane markings and safety features such as cat eyes to ensure improved traffic management and safety standards. Stressing strict adherence to timelines, the chief minister warned that delays in development projects would not be tolerated. He further directed authorities to ensure transparency, quality, and merit in the execution of all public sector development schemes. Officials also briefed the meeting on the overall development portfolio, including updates on ongoing projects, fund releases, and expenditure status.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan A key meeting of the Planning and Development Department was held under the chairmanship of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, where detailed review of newly proposed projects under the upcoming Annual Development Programme was conducted. The meeting agreed on the restoration of dilapidated record rooms to ensure the protection of land records, provision of public services at the doorstep, and a proposal to introduce an economic empowerment scheme for minority communities in the merged districts. It was also decided to prioritize major initiatives in the health sector, including the establishment of a Tribal Medical College, nursing colleges, upgradation of primary and secondary hospitals, development of a Health City, new blocks in Medical Teaching Institutions (MTIs), breast cancer screening centers, medical complexes, and construction of a 1,000-bed general hospital. Approval was also given for the establishment of drug testing laboratories. In the education sector, proposals were reviewed for upgrading schools, improving basic facilities, constructing 20,000 additional classrooms, reviving non-functional IT labs, establishing science laboratories, and introducing an artificial intelligence (AI)-based curriculum in computer science. Scholarships for students from merged districts and construction of hostels for teachers are also part of the plan. Furthermore, discussions were held on the early upgradation of infrastructure of mosques, madaris, Eidgahs, and graveyards. The meeting also considered the establishment of an e-Islamic Academy and the introduction of modern scientific subjects in consultation with religious scholars. The Chief Minister stated that provision of basic facilities to the public and overall development of the province remain the government’s top priorities.