Kabootar Chowk Underpass Part of Rs200 Billion Peshawar Transformation Plan

PROVINCE REPORT

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Thursday performed the ground breaking of Underpass on Kabootar Chowk, Ring Road, a major urban mobility project being undertaken under the provincial government’s flagship Revitalization of Peshawar Program aimed at restoring the city’s glory and transforming it into a modern, integrated and sustainable urban centre. The Kabootar Chowk Underpass, to be completed within short timeline of 60 days, is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.989 billion. The project forms part of the largest urban development initiative in Peshawar’s history, with a cumulative investment portfolio of approximately Rs. 200 billion. During briefing participants were informed that development activities under the Revitalization of Peshawar Programme are progressing rapidly. More than Rs. 95 billion worth of projects are currently under implementation, while procurement processes have been completed and tenders issued for additional projects valued at approximately Rs. 29 billion. Addressing the ground breaking ceremony, the Chief Minister stated that the underpass project would significantly improve traffic flow, reduce travel time, generate savings in fuel consumption, and provide safer and more efficient transportation facilities to commuters. He reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to developing Peshawar into a modern metropolitan city equipped with quality urban infrastructure, an efficient transport network, and enhanced economic opportunities. He noted that, in line with the vision of Imran Khan, the provincial government had embarked upon a new phase of development focused on public welfare, infrastructure modernization, youth empowerment, and inclusive economic growth. The Chief Minister observed that implementation of the historic Rs. 200 billion development programme would fundamentally transform the urban landscape of Peshawar and enable the city to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population through modern civic amenities and improved public services. Referring to the security challenges faced by the province, he stated that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had borne a disproportionate burden during the fight against terrorism, sacrificing more than 80,000 lives in the process. He expressed concern that certain policy decisions had once again created uncertainty and hardship for residents of the merged districts and tribal regions. Commenting on fiscal matters, the Chief Minister maintained that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was not receiving its due share of resources and stated that the financial integration of the merged districts remained incomplete despite their administrative merger. He further asserted that substantial financial liabilities owed to the province by the federal government remained unresolved. Muhammad Sohail Afridi also highlighted delays affecting a number of strategic development projects in the province. He stated that the Peshawar Bus Terminal project had been completed but remained operationally constrained due to unresolved connectivity issues. Similarly, he noted that progress on a Dam project in Swat was being delayed due to non issuance of NOC to foreign technical experts by the federal government. The Chief Minister emphasized that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa deserved equitable access to development opportunities and public investment, commensurate with the sacrifices they had rendered for national peace and stability. He reiterated that the provincial government would continue to safeguard public interests and pursue policies aligned with the aspirations of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Referring to the political situation in the country, he expressed concern regarding the continued political victimization of PTI leaders and workers. He further remarked that the provincial government considered consultation with Imran Khan essential in the preparation of the upcoming provincial budget, which, he said, would reflect priorities centred on social protection, poverty alleviation, and inclusive development. He announced that if permission for a meeting with Imran Khan was not granted by June 9, a protest sit in would be staged outside the National Assembly on June 10. He maintained that all available constitutional and legal avenues had been exhausted and that peaceful protest constituted a legitimate democratic right. Highlighting future development priorities, the Chief Minister said that the provincial government had earmarked a Rs. 200 billion development package for the Hazara Division. He further announced the introduction of a comprehensive Youth Policy under which interest free financing facilities would be provided to young people to support entrepreneurship and self employment initiatives. In addition, he stated that a separate interest free financing programme was being developed for minority communities to enhance economic participation and promote inclusive growth. The Chief Minister said that the upcoming provincial budget would embody the vision of Imran Khan and place particular emphasis on the welfare of low income and marginalized segments of society. Speaking about Imran Khan’s health and his illegal incarceration, he stated that the former Prime Minister has been kept in solitary confinement and isolation for the past several months and had demonstrated resilience despite reported health concerns. He added that people across the country wished to see him receive appropriate medical care. During the briefing, participants were informed that several additional flagship infrastructure projects would be launched later this month. These include the PDA Toll Plaza Underpass, scheduled for groundbreaking on June 13 at a cost of Rs. 1.681 billion; the Hazar Khwani Underpass, to be launched on June 20 at a cost of Rs. 1.257 billion; the Warsak Road Flyover, scheduled for groundbreaking on June 23 with an estimated cost of Rs. 2.283 billion; and the Palosi Road Flyover, which will be launched on June 27 at a cost of Rs. 1.898 billion. Provincial Minister for Local Government Meena Khan Afridi, Provincial Minister for Information Shafi Jan, Member National Assembly Asif Khan, senior government officials, elected representatives, and others attended the ceremony.

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