Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
A Rs 13 billion solarisation project aimed at providing electricity to 45,887 households in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s merged districts has faced further delays after the federal government raised serious technical, financial and administrative objections to its PC-I and directed the provincial government to revise the project documents.
According to official records, the PC-I submitted by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government contained several shortcomings, preventing the project from moving forward for approval. The federal government had provided Rs 13 billion to the provincial government in 2024, yet solar systems have still not been distributed to eligible families.
The project is intended to provide affordable, environmentally friendly and sustainable electricity to thousands of households in the merged districts, particularly in areas where power supply remains limited or unreliable.
The matter was reviewed at a pre-Central Development Working Party meeting held on July 7, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Member Energy. The meeting examined progress on the Accelerated Implementation Plan and the proposed solar project.
Participants were informed that weak planning and incomplete documentation had prevented the project from meeting the required approval standards.
Earlier, at a meeting chaired by the Federal Minister for Planning on December 31, 2025, officials were directed to implement the scheme on a grant basis rather than through loans. The meeting also called for the appointment of qualified and experienced vendors and the use of Benazir Income Support Programme data to ensure the transparent identification of eligible households.
However, after reviewing the PC-I, the Energy Wing of the Planning Commission identified several deficiencies related to technical design, cost estimates, beneficiary selection, procurement procedures and project implementation.
Federal authorities have now directed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to address all objections and prepare a revised PC-I before submitting the project again for approval.
The continued delay has raised concerns among thousands of families in the merged districts who have long struggled with inadequate electricity access and were expecting immediate relief through the solar scheme.

Abbotabad : ReNews Pakistan
The district administration in Havelian has reclaimed more than four kanals of expensive government land during a large-scale anti encroachment operation aimed at removing illegal structures from public property.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Additional Assistant Commissioner-II Muhammad Osama Khan on the directives of Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad. The action targeted encroachments established on land owned by the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) adjacent to the Rescue 1122 building in Havelian.
During the operation, enforcement teams demolished four illegally constructed shops and removed a hand pump that had been installed on the occupied land. Following the clearance operation, possession of the land was formally restored to the TMA.
Officials from the relevant government departments remained present throughout the operation to oversee the demolition and ensure that the process was completed peacefully and in accordance with administrative procedures. No major law and order situation was reported during the drive.
The district administration reiterated its commitment to protecting public assets and preventing the unlawful occupation of government land. Officials stated that anti-encroachment operations would continue across the district and that strict action would be taken against illegal occupants without discrimination.
Authorities added that reclaiming public land is essential for preserving government property, improving civic management, and ensuring that land reserved for public use remains available for future development and community services.

Dir: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has granted in principle approval for the construction of the 29 kilometre Dir Motorway and directed the relevant authorities to immediately begin the land acquisition process, marking a significant step toward improving transport infrastructure in the province.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Provincial Public Private Partnership (PPP) Committee chaired by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar. The committee approved the project under the Public Private Partnership model and instructed all concerned departments to expedite preparatory work to ensure timely implementation.
The proposed motorway will extend from Chakdara Interchange to Baroon in Lower Dir district at an estimated cost of Rs69 billion. Provincial authorities believe the project will become a major transport corridor, improving connectivity between Lower Dir and the wider Malakand Division while supporting long term regional development.
Chief Minister Afridi directed the concerned departments to launch the land acquisition process without delay, establish clear implementation timelines and ensure the project is completed within the stipulated period. He also instructed officials to closely monitor progress so that administrative and technical hurdles do not delay construction.
During the meeting, the chief minister further directed the relevant departments to prepare recommendations for amendments to the existing Public Private Partnership framework. The proposed reforms are aimed at simplifying approval procedures, reducing implementation timelines and accelerating the execution of major development projects across the province.
According to the provincial government, the Dir Motorway is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve the safe and efficient movement of people and goods, and strengthen road connectivity throughout the region. Officials said the improved transport network would enhance access to key commercial centres and remote areas, making travel more convenient for residents and businesses alike.
The government also expects the motorway to unlock the tourism potential of Malakand Division by providing easier access to the region’s scenic valleys and popular tourist destinations. Officials believe the project will encourage private investment, generate employment during both construction and operation, stimulate local businesses and contribute to the long term socio economic development of Lower Dir and surrounding districts.