Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a comprehensive development package worth Rs50 billion for District Mardan, marking a major push to upgrade infrastructure and urban facilities in the region.
According to official details, Rs25 billion has been specifically allocated to the Communication and Works sector, focusing on large-scale infrastructure projects. The initiative includes the introduction of modern traffic management systems, advanced engineering solutions, and improved urban planning within Mardan city.
A central feature of the package is the construction and rehabilitation of a district-wide circular road, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and enhancing connectivity. Key road projects include the dualization of the Jawad Chowk to Baghdad Chowk road and the expansion of the Shahbaz Garhi to Taro Jabba Road into a dual carriageway.
The plan also includes the construction of the Katlang Bypass and Hothi Bridge to facilitate smoother and safer traffic flow. In addition, authorities will develop a link road connecting the Jamal Garhi archaeological site with the Swat Motorway Interchange to improve access to important locations.
Further projects involve the construction of the Sang-e-Kashmir to Fazal Abad Ghani Road and the expansion of road networks linking Sang-e-Dhan with Parhoti, Pir Sado, Mian Isa, and Jalalah Bazaar. Rehabilitation work on Bani Pass and the Lund Khwar to Katlang Road is also part of the package.
Officials stated that the development initiatives reflect the provincial government’s commitment to modernizing transport infrastructure, which is expected to enhance economic activity and provide better travel facilities for residents across Mardan.

Mansehra | ReNews Pakistan
The National Highway Authority (NHA) has initiated a large scale operation to remove snow and glaciers from the Mansehra/Naran/Jalkhad (MNJ) Road, signaling the imminent reopening of Naran to tourists after nearly six months of seasonal closure.
Heavy machinery has been deployed at key points along the route to clear accumulated snow and cut through glaciers that blocked access following intense snowfall in November last year. The MNJ Road, a critical link connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Gilgit/Baltistan via the scenic Kaghan Valley, was closed at the onset of winter due to harsh weather conditions.
According to Hussain Deen, Chairman of the Kaghan Hoteliers Association, traffic between Naran and other parts of the province is expected to resume within the next few days. However, he noted that full restoration of the entire route could take additional time.
Officials overseeing the operation confirmed that while significant progress has been made, complete reopening of the road may take another four to five weeks, depending on weather conditions and the remaining accumulation of snow.
Meanwhile, local stakeholders have begun returning to Naran to prepare for the upcoming tourist season. Access to major attractions, including Lake Saiful Muluk and surrounding areas, remains restricted due to heavy snow and the risk of landslides.
Residents pointed out that snowfall in upper Kaghan Valley was comparatively lower this year, enabling earlier clearance work up to Naran and nearby areas such as Battakundi.
Security arrangements are also being gradually restored. Police posts in Basal, Plundrain, Soach, Lake Road, Battakundi, and Jalkhad will resume operations in phases as the road is cleared. The police station currently operating in lower Kaghan is expected to shift back to Naran to ensure tourist safety and manage traffic effectively.
Authorities believe that the gradual reopening of the MNJ Road will restore connectivity between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, marking the beginning of the summer tourism season in the Kaghan Valley.

Peshawar: [ReNews Pakistan]
The plea bargain request of the main accused, Muhammad Ayub, in the Kohistan mega financial scandal has been approved. The Director General of NAB Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has forwarded the request to the Chairman NAB for final approval.
According to NAB sources, the accused has offered a 4 kanal 12 marla commercial property located in Rawalpindi under the plea bargain, with an estimated value of around Rs160 million. The request was filed under Section 25(b) of the NAB Ordinance 1999.
Details reveal that Muhammad Ayub was arrested on charges of embezzling billions of rupees in the Kohistan financial scandal. A day earlier, the accused submitted his plea bargain application to the accountability court through the Superintendent of Central Jail Peshawar. The court subsequently forwarded the application to DG NAB Peshawar for further proceedings.
Later, the DG NAB KP reviewed the request and sent it to the Chairman NAB for approval. The final decision will be made after the Chairman NAB grants formal approval.