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.

Peshawar: ReNews Pakistan
The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is examining a proposal to construct a second ring road in Peshawar to address the growing traffic pressure in the provincial capital.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, where officials reviewed development priorities for the Peshawar region and considered major infrastructure initiatives.
According to officials, the proposed second ring road, also referred to as the Outer Ring Road, is expected to be approximately 31 kilometres long and will primarily cover the southern areas of the city where traffic congestion has significantly increased in recent years.
Preliminary estimates suggest that the project may cost between Rs50 billion and Rs60 billion. The new road is intended to complement the existing ring road network and improve connectivity for commuters while facilitating smoother traffic flow across the city.
Officials also informed the meeting that suitable interchanges would be incorporated into the project to improve accessibility, while coordination with the National Highway Authority is being considered to link the project with major transport corridors, including the Peshawar Bus Terminal.
The chief minister directed relevant departments to conduct a detailed feasibility study and ensure that future urban growth and transportation needs are taken into account during planning.
Authorities believe the proposed ring road will not only help reduce congestion but also promote commercial activity and support the expanding urban landscape of Peshawar.