Peshawar Division

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has unveiled plans to strengthen the province’s media sector through the establishment of dedicated media colonies, the upgradation of press clubs, and the introduction of an interest free loan scheme for journalists.
The initiative was discussed during a high level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, where officials reviewed the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the fiscal year 2026–27. The meeting focused on a range of development priorities, with special emphasis on empowering media professionals and promoting self employment opportunities within the sector.
According to officials, the proposed loan scheme aims to provide interest-free financial assistance to young journalists, enabling them to set up their own media production and broadcasting platforms. Authorities have been directed to develop a comprehensive and structured framework to ensure transparent and effective implementation of the initiative.
Speaking during the meeting, the chief minister stressed the importance of financial independence for journalists, noting that access to resources would allow them to perform their professional duties with greater autonomy and confidence. He highlighted that the scheme would not only support individual journalists but also contribute to the overall growth and diversification of the media landscape in the province.
“Young journalists must be given the tools and opportunities to become self-reliant and establish their own ventures,” Afridi said, underlining the government’s commitment to fostering a more sustainable and independent media ecosystem.
In addition to the loan programme, the government is also planning to establish media colonies to provide housing and community facilities for journalists. These colonies are expected to improve living standards and create a more supportive environment for media workers.
Furthermore, the chief minister directed officials to prepare detailed proposals for upgrading press clubs, particularly in the merged districts. The move is aimed at enhancing working conditions, providing modern facilities, and strengthening professional infrastructure for journalists operating in these areas.
The meeting also reviewed development proposals across multiple sectors, including Information and Public Relations, Information Technology, Science and Technology, Law, Mines and Minerals, and Labour. Broader discussions were held on employment generation, institutional reforms, and strategies to accelerate provincial development.
The planned initiatives signal the government’s intent to prioritize the welfare of journalists while leveraging the media sector as a driver of economic opportunity and institutional progress in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
Persistent fluctuations in petroleum product prices have plunged ongoing development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into uncertainty, while also placing considerable strain on the financial resources of government departments.
Officials state that frequent changes in petrol and diesel prices have disrupted development planning, putting the timely completion of several projects at risk. Sources indicate that the surge in fuel prices has exerted immense pressure on allocated petroleum budgets across various departments, raising concerns that some institutions may exhaust their funds prematurely.
This situation is particularly challenging for government departments that rely heavily on transportation and field operations for their routine functions. Meanwhile, development projects worth billions of rupees have either slowed down or been temporarily halted as authorities await revised cost assessments.
Experts note that the rising costs of construction materials and transportation have significantly increased overall project expenditures, creating financial challenges for contractors as well as relevant government bodies.
The absence of a clear policy at the government level has further complicated the situation. Repeated increases and decreases in fuel prices have fueled uncertainty, making it increasingly difficult to issue and award new tenders.
According to officials, accurately estimating the cost of any development project under current conditions has become extremely difficult. Several key projects across the province have been temporarily suspended, while many others are progressing at a slower pace.
Overall, the instability in petroleum prices, coupled with escalating material costs, has severely impacted development activities in the 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.