Peshawar: [ReNews Pakistan]
The plea bargain request of the main accused, Muhammad Ayub, in the Kohistan mega financial scandal has been approved. The Director General of NAB Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has forwarded the request to the Chairman NAB for final approval.
According to NAB sources, the accused has offered a 4 kanal 12 marla commercial property located in Rawalpindi under the plea bargain, with an estimated value of around Rs160 million. The request was filed under Section 25(b) of the NAB Ordinance 1999.
Details reveal that Muhammad Ayub was arrested on charges of embezzling billions of rupees in the Kohistan financial scandal. A day earlier, the accused submitted his plea bargain application to the accountability court through the Superintendent of Central Jail Peshawar. The court subsequently forwarded the application to DG NAB Peshawar for further proceedings.
Later, the DG NAB KP reviewed the request and sent it to the Chairman NAB for approval. The final decision will be made after the Chairman NAB grants formal approval.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
Following federal approval, practical steps have been initiated to restore train services in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, marking an important development toward reviving railway connectivity in the province.
According to sources, Pakistan Railways has formally begun progress on the restoration project and has also informed the provincial government. The initiative aims to reconnect key areas with the railway network and improve the overall transport system.
In the first phase, work will be carried out on the rehabilitation of a 62 kilometer railway track between Peshawar, Nowshera, and Jehangira, which is considered a central component of the proposed network.
The second phase includes the restoration of a 65-kilometer track between Nowshera, Mardan, and Dargai. Additionally, a 27 kilometer railway line between Mardan and Charsadda, and an 18-kilometer line from Peshawar to Jamrud are also part of the project.
Sources further state that in later stages, a 60 kilometer railway section from Kohat to Jand will also be upgraded. Meanwhile, the process of appointing technical experts to represent the Pakistan Railways working group is underway.
Officials say that the restoration of railway services will provide passengers with affordable, safe, and efficient travel facilities, while also boosting commercial activities and increasing the revenue of Pakistan Railways. They added that legal requirements are being fulfilled prior to restoration, and operations to remove encroachments in relevant areas have also begun to ensure the smooth completion of the project.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has directed authorities to accelerate work on ongoing motorway and expressway projects, stressing the need for an integrated road network to enhance connectivity and drive economic growth across the province.
Chairing a meeting of the Communication and Works Department at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar, the chief minister reviewed the progress of ongoing and proposed infrastructure schemes, particularly road development initiatives in various regions.
He instructed officials to prepare comprehensive proposals for inclusion in the upcoming Annual Development Programme (ADP), with special emphasis on improving road connectivity in the merged tribal districts. According to him, better road infrastructure would facilitate mobility, promote socio-economic development, and strengthen regional integration.
Highlighting the critical role of infrastructure in sustainable growth, Afridi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing modern and high quality transport facilities to the public. He also directed that all newly constructed roads must include proper lane markings and safety features such as cat eyes to ensure improved traffic management and safety standards.
Stressing strict adherence to timelines, the chief minister warned that delays in development projects would not be tolerated. He further directed authorities to ensure transparency, quality, and merit in the execution of all public sector development schemes.
Officials also briefed the meeting on the overall development portfolio, including updates on ongoing projects, fund releases, and expenditure status.