Business Recorder
PESHAWAR: The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reviewed plans for extending the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system to Charsadda, Nowshera, and Khyber. In the transport sector, the government has also reviewed proposals include the Kohat–Kharlachi rail service, introduction of suburban rail services, procurement of double-decker electric buses for tourism, and expansion of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) fleet with additional electric buses. The matter was discussed during a meeting of the Planning and Development Department here with Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi in the chair to review proposed initiatives under the Annual Development Program (ADP) 2026–27 across key sectors including social welfare, sports, tourism, relief, and transport. The meeting undertook a comprehensive review of new project proposals aimed at accelerating inclusive and sustainable development across the province. The Chief Minister directed that functional rescue stations be ensured at the tehsil level to strengthen emergency response capacity and improve service delivery in disaster and crisis situations. Emphasizing innovation and environmental sustainability, the Chief Minister instructed the relevant departments to explore the feasibility of establishing an electric bikes and scooters manufacturing industry in the province along with a structured assessment of heli-tourism to unlock high-value tourism potential, particularly in remote and scenic regions. The forum was informed that work on the province’s Socio-Economic Registry is progressing, with the Chief Minister directing its completion by December. He underscored that a robust and digitized registry is critical for evidence- based policymaking, targeted subsidies, and transparent delivery of social protection programs. In the social welfare sector, proposals were reviewed for the expansion of Zamung Kor centres, establishment of new schools for children with hearing and speech impairments, and up-gradation of existing facilities. Additional initiatives include strengthening Dar-ul-Aman institutions, establishment of new facilities, and upgrading artificial limb workshops into advanced bionic prosthetics centres. The meeting also considered proposals for stipends and scholarships for children with special needs, along with the development of dedicated educational complexes. In the sports sector, the ADP includes proposals for the establishment of tehsil-level grounds in Hazara and Malakand divisions, construction of sports complexes in Battagram and Upper Dir, and provision of indoor sports facilities for women, alongside establishment of Jawan Markaz for youth. Tourism development proposals focused on the identification of new destinations, conservation of archaeological heritage, restoration of historic railway stations, and promotion of adventure tourism. A targeted mobility initiative for working women and female students through the provision of electric scooters was also reviewed. In the relief and emergency services domain, the establishment of new rescue stations and the expansion of emergency services to include specialized mine rescue operations in mining districts were discussed. The Chief Minister emphasized that equitable distribution of development dividends across all regions of the province remains a core responsibility of the government. He noted that the forthcoming ADP represents a strategic opportunity to drive socio-economic transformation and directed all departments to finalize proposals in line with ground realities, public needs, and long-term sustainability objectives. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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