Road networks critical for better tourism, development

K-P communication minister says they intend to build a road linking Peshawar with DI Khan

PESHAWAR: Two provincial ministers in a joint news conference on Wednesday described the pathway for the integrated development of the province which hinges on the expeditious improvement of the communication network.

This was stated by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Ministers for Information Shaukat Ali Yousafzai and Communication Akbar Ayub in the cabinet room of the Civil Secretariat.

The importance of road infrastructure for the overall development of tourism-related spots and accessibility from one place to others has a key role to play in the development of the province, they said.

Transparency in the rehabilitation of the existing road network and construction of new ones is at the top of the provincial government’s priority, both ministers added.

Ayub stated that they have started work on reconstructing and improving some 18,000-kilometres-long roads throughout the province with help from the K-P Highway Authority.

The K-P communication and works department is constructing the Swat Motorway and it will go all out for the extension of the second phase of the motorway, Ayub said. The second part of the motorway is from Chakdarra to Fathepur. Moreover, he said that they intend to build a road linking Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan, a by-pass from Badhaber to Chamkani, dualization of the Hattar road and other similar projects.

These projects, the minister said, will help reduce distances between places and opens them up for tourism, mineral development and rapid trade activities which will ultimately increase job opportunities and ensure overall prosperity of the province.

Information Minister Yousafzai said that the chief minister has directed all public sector entities to improve their efficiency and bring maximum transparency in the function of their departments and the ultimate goal should be people-friendly without compromising on merit.

To a question, the information minister assured to take all the parties on board over their developmental strategy and giving a reasonable share of developmental funds to the opposition members as well. 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 25^th, 2019.