PESHAWAR: Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shahab Ali Shah, chaired the weekly governance review meeting on Monday, where detailed discussions were held on anti-encroachment operations, commodity prices, developmental targets, and ongoing flood prevention measures. Administrative secretaries and senior officials attended the meeting, while deputy commissioners participated via video link.
The meeting was informed that rehabilitation and resettlement work in flood-affected areas was underway. The Chief Secretary emphasised that proactive steps must be taken to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change in the coming year, particularly by clearing waterways and urban centres. He directed that all available resources be utilised and strict legal action taken against violators.
Briefing the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner Swat reported that of the 97 encroachments identified in Swat, 31 had already been removed. The Deputy Commissioner Buner said 282 illegal constructions in the district had been served legal notices. The Deputy Commissioner of Peshawar informed that in collaboration with the Irrigation Department, encroachments along Budhni Nullah were being identified and removed, with notices also served to violators.
The Chief Secretary directed that the identification of all illegal structures along Budhni Nullah be completed by Friday.
The Deputy Commissioner Charsadda reported the removal of 22 encroachments during the week and reaffirmed that new constructions would remain banned without formal approval from the Building Control Authority.
The Secretary Food briefed the meeting on the supply of wheat and flour, as well as prices of essential commodities, noting a decline in flour and chicken prices this week.
Officials of the Peshawar Development Authority informed that work on the Northern Section of the Ring Road missing link and the new General Bus Stand was progressing as per schedule. They added that urban uplift projects were in the final stages of planning to beautify and renovate the provincial capital.
The Chief Secretary was also briefed on pending issues in certain zones of Regi Model Town, where the government is taking serious steps in consultation with all stakeholders for their resolution.
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The Land Use and Building Control Authority informed the meeting that the master plans of Haripur, Kohat, and Bannu had been approved along with the authority’s budget. It was further noted that the authority would regulate building plan approvals. Soil investigation reports would be mandatory before issuing NOCs for high-rise buildings, while geotechnical assessments would also be required for other construction projects.
