PESHAWAR—Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi chaired the 14th authority meeting of the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) to streamline urban development in Peshawar.
During the session, the chief minister approved the fiscal year 2025–26 budget and issued stern directives to eliminate illegal constructions while improving municipal discipline.
Regulation of Nasir Bagh Road and Property Trade
In a strategic move to ensure integrated growth, the meeting agreed to include Nasir Bagh Road within the PDA’s jurisdiction. The chief minister directed that the final proposal be presented to the provincial cabinet for formal approval. To maintain order, a 20-foot setback for buildings along Nasir Bagh Road is now mandatory.
Additionally, the authority approved the establishment of an Enforcement Directorate. For the first time, the PDA will implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the mandatory registration of property dealers to strengthen the regulatory framework and protect citizens from fraudulent transactions.
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Protecting Public Parks and Environment
Following judicial orders and public concerns, the chief minister canceled proposed commercial entertainment projects in Bagh-e-Naran and Shalman Park.
“We must protect our public parks from commercial exploitation to maintain environmental balance,” CM Afridi stated.
The authority will refund security deposits to the relevant firms, ensuring these green spaces remain dedicated solely to public recreation.
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Security Enhancements for Hayatabad
The meeting focused heavily on the safety of residential zones. The chief minister requested a formal plan to convert Hayatabad into a “gated community.” This proposed project includes:
- Construction of a comprehensive boundary wall.
- Installation of a modern surveillance system.
- Strategies to prevent unnecessary through-traffic in sensitive sectors.
Furthermore, the PDA allocated land in Hayatabad for the Regional Headquarters of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and approved a special access route for the FC Teaching Hospital.
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Land Re-planning and Commercial Amnesty
Several re-planning initiatives received the green light, including commercial sites in Regi Model Town and land adjacent to the Hayatabad Medical Complex. The authority also approved additional land alignment for the Institute of Management Sciences (IMSciences).
In a significant move for property owners, the board offered a one-time amnesty for 171 plots previously canceled due to illegal commercial activities. Owners must clear all outstanding dues and terminate violations by June 30 to restore their plots.
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Administrative Reforms for Employees
To improve internal governance, the chief minister approved recommendations for the promotion of PDA employees. He also directed the formation of a dedicated grievance committee. Employees now have a 10-day window to submit complaints, ensuring a transparent and merit-based resolution process.
Through these decisions, the provincial government aims to professionalize urban development in Peshawar, balancing commercial growth with security and environmental preservation.
