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.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has launched an intensified province-wide crackdown against property tax defaulters, sealing multiple properties and recovering significant outstanding dues across several districts.
According to officials, enforcement actions have been escalated against chronic defaulters who failed to clear their liabilities despite repeated notices. Authorities have also initiated legal proceedings in cases where non-compliance persists.
In Nowshera’s Jehangira area, several properties were sealed, and approximately Rs300,000 was recovered in a single day. Similar کارروائیاں in Mardan led to the sealing of multiple units and recovery of over Rs2.14 million, which has been deposited into the government treasury.
Operations were also carried out in Mansehra and Peshawar, including commercial hubs such as Karkhano Market, where properties were sealed over non-payment of taxes.
Officials reiterated that the campaign will continue across the province and urged property owners to clear their outstanding dues promptly to avoid penalties, property sealing, and further legal action.