PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government is planning to transition to green energy by introducing electric rickshaws and vehicles in Peshawar city.
A weekly review meeting on governance issues, chaired by Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shahab Ali Shah, was held to take a detailed look at various matters, including the removal of encroachments, food prices, the development of the provincial capital, and reforms for electric vehicles.
The administrative secretaries and other senior officials attended the meeting, while deputy commissioners participated via video link.
During the meeting, statistics regarding the removal of encroachments were presented. The Director of the PMRU informed attendees that a digital dashboard has been created to track the encroachment operations as directed by the Chief Secretary.
The deputy commissioners reported their district operations, revealing that 64 kanals of land have been recovered in Peshawar, 32 kanals in Mardan, 120 kanals in Bannu, 40 kanals in Abbottabad, 39 kanals in Haripur, 437 kanals in Charsadda, and 47 kanals in Tank. Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah emphasised that sustained action against encroachments must continue.
Additionally, the DG PDA announced that work commenced on the Peshawar New General Bus Stand during night shifts, with the grey structure of the project expected to be completed by October 31. This project aims to alleviate traffic problems in Peshawar city. He further mentioned that under corporate social responsibility, memorandums of understanding (MoUs) are being signed with the private sector to assist in beautifying the provincial capital. Efforts are also beginning on various upgrade projects along GT Road and Ring Road, focusing on road infrastructure, beautification, and horticulture.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Thandiani Tourism Project, Ghanol Integrated Tourism Zone, and Draban Economic Zone under a Public-Private Partnership. The Food Secretary provided an update on food item prices. Furthermore, the meeting discussed the KP government’s electric vehicle reforms, which will initiate with electric rickshaws and taxis in the first phase. Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah stated that the government will develop a framework for these initiatives. Promoting electric vehicles is expected to ensure environmental protection and foster local employment.
