PESHAWAR: The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has taken key decisions regarding the removal of encroachments, price stability of essential commodities, promotion of tourism, uplift of the provincial capital, and flood prevention measures.
Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shahab Ali Shah, presided over the weekly review meeting on Monday on governance matters. Administrative secretaries and senior officials attended the meeting, while deputy commissioners joined via video link.
The forum was informed that since June 30, a total of 207 buildings had been sealed during the anti-encroachment drive, 1,048 kanals of illegal structures demolished, and encroachments over 1,741 kanals of land removed. During the past week alone, encroachments over more than 20 kanals were cleared. Additionally, data of 52,562 kanals of encroached land belonging to different departments was shared with the deputy commissioners, who have started taking action in collaboration with field officers.
The Chief Secretary directed all departments to finalise planning for the productive use of these lands. The Deputy Commissioner of Peshawar briefed that the district administration had prepared a plan for the 38-kilometre Budhni Nullah, where seven illegal constructions obstructing water flow had already been demolished.
Shahab Ali Shah instructed that housing societies in Peshawar must only be granted NOCs in line with the land-use plan, stressing that no construction should be allowed on land earmarked as green areas. He also directed the collection of data on illegal housing societies for necessary legal action, emphasising close coordination among all relevant departments.
The meeting also reviewed the availability of wheat, flour, and sugar. Updates were shared on investment opportunities under public-private partnerships, as well as progress on the Peshawar–D.I. Khan Motorway, Swat Motorway Phase II, Thandiani tourism project, Draban Economic Zone, and Ganhol Integrated Tourism Zone. The Secretary of Irrigation presented options for desilting waterways, adding that a comprehensive plan would soon be placed before the provincial cabinet for approval.
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The Chief Secretary was also briefed on the projects of the Peshawar Development Authority. It was noted that the Chief Secretary had inspected the under-construction New General Bus Terminal in Peshawar the day before. The Planning and Development Department has forwarded a PC-1 worth Rs 1 billion for approval, covering the restoration of road furniture along GT Road, Jamrud Road, and Ring Road under the provincial capital uplift plan.
The Tourism Department informed the meeting that a solid waste management plan for Galiyat, along with the BNA Road project, had been sent to the provincial cabinet for approval. The initiatives aim to promote tourism while ensuring environmental protection.
