Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

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.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Private Partnership Committee has approved the construction of the 29 kilometre Dir Motorway, a major road infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity between Chakdara and Lower Dir.
The proposed motorway will connect Chakdara Interchange with Baroon in Lower Dir district and is estimated to cost approximately Rs 69 billion.
The project was approved during a meeting of the PPP Committee chaired by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. Following the approval, the committee directed the relevant departments to begin the land acquisition process without delay.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, the provincial government has also instructed the concerned authorities to prepare clear and time-bound implementation schedules to ensure that construction is completed on schedule and the motorway is opened to traffic as early as possible.
The chief minister further directed officials to propose amendments to the existing Public-Private Partnership framework to accelerate the execution of development schemes and reduce procedural and implementation delays.
Afridi described the Dir Motorway as an important development initiative for the people of Malakand division. He said the project would significantly reduce travel time, fuel consumption and transportation expenses for residents and businesses operating in the region.
The motorway is also expected to improve the movement of goods and passengers, strengthen commercial activity and provide better access to markets, educational institutions and healthcare facilities.
According to the provincial government, improved road connectivity will also help promote tourism across Malakand division by making remote and scenic destinations more accessible to domestic and international visitors.
The project is expected to generate new employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases, while also supporting local businesses and the broader socioeconomic development of Lower Dir and adjoining districts.
During the meeting, the PPP Committee also reviewed progress on two other major road projects, including the Peshawar/Dera Ismail Khan Motorway and Swat Motorway Phase II.
Officials were directed to address outstanding issues and take all necessary measures to ensure the timely completion of these projects.

Peshawar: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Peshawar Electric Supply Company has announced five deputy manager vacancies across its financial, regulatory and legal departments and issued two new electronic bidding notices for the procurement of electricity distribution equipment.
According to career notices published by PESCO on July 16, the company is seeking one Deputy Manager Finance, one Deputy Manager Banking and Taxation and one Deputy Manager Tariff. A separate advertisement announced one position each for Deputy Manager Finance, Contract Management and Regulatory Affairs and Deputy Manager Legal and Contract.
The appointments will be made on a contractual basis, with candidates required to possess relevant professional qualifications and experience. The upper age limit for most positions is 40 years, while applications must be submitted within 15 days of the advertisements and no later than July 30, 2026.
PESCO has also issued two electronic bidding notices under its procurement programme for the 2026 and 2027 financial year. The first tender covers the procurement of 25, 50, 100 and 200 KVA distribution transformers, 11 KV distribution hardware, steel structures and insulators. Bids must be submitted by 10 am on July 30 and will be opened at 10:30 am on the same day.
The second tender includes the procurement of 600 volt SID cables, 15 KV XLPE insulated power cables, 11 KV conductors and single phase and three phase AMR energy meters. Bids will close at 10 am on July 31 and will be opened at 10:30 am.
PESCO said the bidding process would be conducted through the E Pakistan Acquisition and Disposal System, while manually submitted bids would not be accepted.