Peshawar Division

Peshawar : ReNews Pakistan
Peshawar is set to receive a new underpass as part of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s ongoing efforts to improve the city’s road infrastructure and address growing traffic and connectivity challenges.
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi performed the groundbreaking of the Jameel Chowk Underpass, a project being executed under the Peshawar Revitalization Plan. The underpass has been assigned a completion period of 90 days, with the provincial government aiming to complete the scheme within, or even before, the stipulated deadline.
Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony, Chief Minister Afridi said the government was determined to accelerate development activities in Peshawar and ensure that infrastructure projects were completed within their prescribed timelines. He directed the relevant authorities to maintain the pace of construction so that residents could benefit from improved infrastructure at the earliest possible stage.
The chief minister said several projects initiated under the Peshawar Revitalization Plan were progressing rapidly, while a number of development schemes had already been completed or were approaching completion.
According to Afridi, development projects with a combined estimated value of around Rs. 200 billion are currently underway in Peshawar under the revitalization programme. The projects are aimed at improving urban infrastructure and supporting the city’s broader development needs.
He appreciated Provincial Minister for Local Government Mina Khan and officials of the Local Government Department for monitoring development schemes and following up on their implementation. He stressed the importance of effective oversight to ensure that projects were completed according to their approved timelines and specifications.
The chief minister also described the current year as a year of development, construction and prosperity for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying the provincial government was focusing on accelerating public-sector development and improving infrastructure across the province.
During his remarks, Afridi also highlighted the provincial government’s revenue performance. He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had surpassed its Rs. 129 billion revenue target for the 2025-26 financial year, collecting more than Rs. 150 billion.
For the current financial year, the provincial government has set a revenue collection target of Rs. 180 billion, while it aims to increase provincial revenues to Rs. 200 billion in the longer term.
The Jameel Chowk Underpass is expected to become another significant component of Peshawar’s ongoing infrastructure development, with its timely completion likely to contribute to smoother traffic movement and improved urban connectivity in the area.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has moved to seek financing from the World Bank for irrigation rehabilitation and flood protection projects, as the province looks to strengthen critical infrastructure in areas affected by flooding and improve its preparedness for future natural disasters.
The proposal to obtain the loan was included on the agenda of a provincial cabinet meeting. However, following the postponement of the meeting, the financing plan could not be considered and is now expected to be presented before the cabinet at its next session for formal approval.
According to officials, the proposed World Bank financing would primarily be directed towards strengthening flood protection infrastructure and rehabilitating irrigation systems damaged by flooding across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The planned investment is also aimed at improving the province’s capacity to withstand future floods and reducing the economic, agricultural and infrastructure losses associated with natural disasters.
Flood protection and irrigation infrastructure are particularly important for communities where agriculture and local livelihoods depend heavily on functioning canals, water channels and protective structures. Damage to such infrastructure can disrupt agricultural production while also leaving settlements and farmland more vulnerable to subsequent flooding.
Under the proposed initiative, the provincial government is seeking to combine rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure with longer-term measures designed to improve resilience against future climate and weather-related emergencies.
The move comes as provincial authorities continue to assess infrastructure requirements in areas exposed to flooding and other natural hazards. Strengthening flood defences could also help protect roads, settlements, agricultural land and public infrastructure in vulnerable districts.
The size of the proposed World Bank loan, its financing terms, the specific projects to be covered and the timeline for implementation have yet to be detailed. These matters are expected to become clearer once the provincial cabinet considers and approves the proposal and further financing arrangements move ahead.
Alongside the financing proposal, the cabinet is also expected to consider the creation of a new tehsil named Umarzai in Charsadda district. The proposal has been placed on the agenda for the next cabinet meeting.
Other matters awaiting consideration include proposed amendments to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Counter Terrorism Wing Service Rules, 2026.
The provincial cabinet is also expected to review a proposal related to hosting three events of the South Asian Games in Peshawar and consider approval of the funding required to organise the competitions.
The World Bank financing proposal, however, carries particular significance for the province’s infrastructure and disaster-management strategy, as authorities seek to shift greater attention towards restoring damaged irrigation networks while developing stronger safeguards against recurring floods.
If approved, the proposed financing could provide additional resources for infrastructure rehabilitation and help Khyber Pakhtunkhwa pursue longer-term flood resilience measures in some of its most vulnerable areas.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is considering launching an inter district BRT service on the motorway network to connect Peshawar with Mardan, Nowshera and Swat.
According to a provincial government spokesperson, the proposed service is aimed at providing a faster and more convenient public transport option for passengers travelling between Peshawar and other districts.
The Transport Department will conduct a feasibility study to assess the proposal. The study will examine possible routes, locations for BRT stations, the overall cost of the project and other operational requirements.
Transport Department officials believe operating the service through the motorway could be easier than using the GT Road.
Officials said the proposed BRT could benefit thousands of passengers who regularly travel between Peshawar and surrounding districts by providing another public transport option.
The project is currently under consideration and a final decision is expected after completion of the feasibility study.