PESHAWAR — In a major push to restore the provincial capital’s historic glory, Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has officially launched a massive PKR 200 billion infrastructure package titled “Revitalization of Peshawar.” Consequently, the initiative aims to transform the city into a modern urban hub through rapid construction and strategic mega-projects.
To kickstart this historic development drive, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the Ring Road Kabootar Chowk Underpass. This specific project carries a total cost of PKR 1.989 billion and is on a strict fast-track timeline to reach completion within just 60 days.
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Timelines Revealed for Upcoming Mega Projects
During the briefing, officials revealed that fast-tracked construction work is already underway on multiple fronts, totaling over PKR 95 billion. Furthermore, tenders worth PKR 29 billion have already been issued. Therefore, several key project start dates have been locked in for June 2026:
- June 13: Construction begins on the PDA Toll Plaza Underpass, valued at PKR 1.681 billion.
- June 20: Launch of the Hazar Khwani Underpass project, costing PKR 1.257 billion.
- June 23: Groundbreaking of the Warsak Road Flyover, valued at PKR 2.283 billion.
- June 27: Construction starts on the Palosi Road Flyover, at a cost of PKR 1.898 billion.
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Economic Growth and Public Relief
Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony, the Chief Minister emphasized that these new underpasses and flyovers will drastically improve modern urban mobility. Specifically, they will save valuable time and fuel for citizens while easing chronic traffic congestion.
Key Vision: According to the provincial leadership, this PKR 200 billion injection will completely uplift the city’s economic landscape. By modernizing traffic management and upgrading public facilities, Peshawar is positioned to emerge as a highly competitive economic center.
Critical Funding Disparities and Federal Hurdles
Despite these provincial achievements, the Chief Minister strongly criticized the federal government for creating fiscal and administrative bottlenecks. Specifically, he highlighted that the center owes the province a staggering PKR 4,758 billion across various outstanding dues.
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Furthermore, the administration pointed out that while the administrative merger of the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) is complete, their financial integration remains blocked. Consequently, the provincial government alleges that the NMDs’ rightful share of the National Finance Commission (NFC) award is being unfairly distributed among other provinces.
Additionally, several key completed projects are currently facing federal delays. For instance, the Peshawar Bus Terminal stands fully complete, yet the National Highway Authority (NHA) has failed to provide the necessary access roads.
Similarly, a vital dam project in Swat is currently stalled because the federal government has delayed issuing necessary No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for visiting foreign engineering teams.
