Rs40b worth of K-P projects approved

Housing, youth development, industrial units prioritised

PESHAWAR:

The Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) has approved 32 development projects worth over Rs40 billion.

These include interest-free loans of up to Rs1.5 million under the Ehsaas Apna Ghar scheme, solar energy projects for 300 non-Muslimsplaces of worship, feasibility studies for transmission line allocation for industrial units, a youth development package, establishment of youth facilities in merged districts, and a housing plan for tourists facilitated by the local community.

The eighth meeting of the PDWP was chaired by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Additional Chief Secretary for Planning and Development Ikramullah Khan. In the meeting, various initiatives were approved, including the Ehsaas Apna Ghar scheme, which aims to provide quality housing to low-income individuals through interest-free loans of up to Rs1.5 million.

A project worth Rs4 billion, under this scheme, was specifically approved. The meeting was attended by PDWP members and officials from relevant departments.

The authority approved 32 key agriculture, tourism, health, social welfare, and sports projects to advance the province's development.

Among the approved projects were improvements to various roads, including the dualisation of the Sheikh Yousaf Adda to Mandhra Bridge road in Dera Ismail Khan and enhancements to the main GT Shozai-Hangu Road in Hangu District.

Additionally, land acquisition for the Swat Motorway Phase IIm under PSDP, was approved. The construction of the Bannu Road from Kacheri Chowk to Shaheen Plaza in Kohat, widening and upgrading of the Haripur-Chhappar Road section from Bear to Kalangir (17 km), restoration of the Tall-Parachinar Road in Kurram District, and the extension of the Makin-Chillaria Road were also sanctioned.

Furthermore, the establishment of an RTA office in Bannu and the restoration of irrigation infrastructure, damaged in merged districts, were approved. The design and construction of interchanges on the Peshawar Ring Road were also endorsed.

The meeting further approved pilot projects such as the installation of 13 solar mini grids in merged districts and solar energy projects for 300 places of worship for non-Muslims in these areas.

Feasibility studies for transmission line allocation from PEDO powerhouses to economic zones and industrial units in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were also given the go-ahead. Other initiatives included establishing an Independent Monitoring Unit within the health department, procuring equipment for the Orthopedic and Spine Surgery Block of Hayatabad Medical Complex, and providing gym equipment for Hayatabad Sports Complex. In the sports sector, projects aimed at promoting sports in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reviving squash, and enhancing facilities in existing sports grounds in Swat were approved. The youth development package, along with the establishment of youth facilities in merged districts and housing plans for tourists in collaboration with the local community, was also endorsed.

Additional projects included the establishment of a resource center and the introduction of e-stamp services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Integrated area development packages for South Waziristan and Khyber districts were approved, along with initiatives to promote agricultural and horticultural activities in merged areas. The meeting highlighted the importance of these projects for the province's progress and improving the quality of life for its residents.

Development in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's merged districts is vital for integrating these historically marginalised regions into the national mainstream. Investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities can address longstanding disparities and uplift local communities.

Improved roads and connectivity foster trade and accessibility, while enhanced healthcare and education ensure a better quality of life. Development projects like solar energy and youth facilities empower residents and promote sustainable growth.

By focusing on these districts, the government not only strengthens social cohesion but also counters the influence of extremism through economic stability and inclusion.