Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, officially approved the Peshawar Revitalization Plan to restore the provincial capital’s grandeur. During a high-level meeting at Chief Minister House, he directed officials to scrutinize every proposal with precision.
Furthermore, he stated that the government must execute only the most viable projects to ensure sustainable urban development.
Transforming Infrastructure and Urban Beauty
The Peshawar Revitalization Plan includes dozens of multi-billion rupee projects managed by various departments like the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) and Irrigation Department. Specifically, the plan outlines the upgrade and construction of 35 major highways across urban areas. Consequently, engineers are already working on the feasibility and design phases for these roads.
To improve the city’s aesthetic and safety, the government will move overhead electrical wires underground. This project covers the stretch from Pir Zakori Flyover to Suri Bridge and Aman Chowk to Karkhano. According to officials, work on this underground electrification will likely begin by May this year.
Modernizing Traffic and Public Spaces
In addition to road upgrades, the Peshawar Revitalization Plan introduces high-tech facilities for citizens. The government has already hired consultancy services to build underpasses at identified traffic hotspots. Moreover, the plan prioritizes:
- A link road connecting Hayatabad Industrial Estate to the Northern Bypass.
- Two new theme parks in Khweshgi and Takhta Baig.
- A high-tech children’s park and the iconic “Frame of Peshawar” at Chamkani.
- A “Cloverleaf Interchange” at the Pir Zakori intersection.
Because the Chief Minister wants a “smart city,” the plan also includes a detailed public transport model to meet future needs.
Restoration of Heritage and Sanitation
Preserving history remains a core pillar of the Peshawar Revitalization Plan. Therefore, the government has hired consultants to design a restoration strategy for the Walled City of Peshawar. Meanwhile, the plan addresses essential services by proposing four new slaughterhouses and several new water supply schemes.
To improve hygiene, the city will purchase electric road cleaners and build a sewage treatment plant in Faqir Kalay. Additionally, the irrigation department will restore the Kabul River Canal and the Badhni Nullah infrastructure.
A Vision for the Future
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi stated that his ultimate goal is to transform Peshawar into a modern, beautiful, and facilitated city. He believes that effective implementation will visibly change the city’s face within the next two years. Finally, he directed all departments to complete PC-1s and administrative requirements quickly to avoid any delays in relief for the public.
