PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi chaired a high-level meeting of the Planning and Development Department to review new projects for the Annual Development Program (ADP) 2026-27, focusing on social welfare, sports, tourism, relief, and transport sectors.
During the session, the Chief Minister directed the completion of the provincial socio-economic registry by December and ensured the establishment of rescue stations in every tehsil, including the extension of emergency services to mines rescue operations in mining districts.
In a significant move toward social inclusivity, the meeting considered the establishment of new Zamong Corps centres, schools for deaf and dumb children, and educational scholarships and complexes for special children.
Further proposals included the upgradation of Darulamans and the creation of bionic artificial limbs workshops. To promote sports and youth engagement, the Chief Minister approved plans for tehsil grounds in Hazara and Malakand, sports complexes in Battagram and Upper Dir, indoor games facilities for women, and the creation of new youth centres.
The transport sector is set for a major overhaul with proposals to extend the Peshawar BRT to Charsadda, Nowshera, and Khyber, alongside the purchase of new electric buses and the introduction of double-decker electric buses for tourism.
The government is also exploring the Kohat to Kharlachi rail service, suburban trains, and a plan to provide electric scooters to female students and civil servants. Additionally, efforts to boost tourism include the discovery of new archaeological sites, the promotion of helitourism and adventure tourism, and the restoration of historical train stations.
Chief Minister Afridi emphasized that the upcoming development program will serve as a milestone in ensuring that the fruits of economic and social progress reach every corner of the province.
