The Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has approved 32 projects totaling over Rs40 billion, covering sectors such as housing, infrastructure, energy, and youth development.Â
The initiatives aim to enhance living standards and address critical developmental gaps across the province.
The projects include the Ehsaas Apna Ghar scheme, which will provide interest-free loans of up to Rs1.5 million for housing, with Rs4 billion allocated for the initiative.Â
Other approved plans involve installing solar energy systems at 300 non-Muslim places of worship and feasibility studies for transmission lines serving industrial units.
The eighth PDWP meeting, chaired by Additional Chief Secretary for Planning and Development Ikramullah Khan, sanctioned a variety of projects targeting agriculture, tourism, health, social welfare, and sports. Officials from relevant departments and PDWP members were in attendance.
Key infrastructure projects include the dualisation of the Sheikh Yousaf Adda to Mandhra Bridge road in Dera Ismail Khan, enhancements to Hangu’s GT Shozai-Hangu Road, and land acquisition for the Swat Motorway Phase II under PSDP. Additional projects include the widening of the Haripur-Chhappar Road and restoration of irrigation infrastructure in merged districts.
In the energy sector, pilot projects such as 13 solar mini grids in merged districts were approved. Other initiatives include installing solar systems at worship places and feasibility studies for transmission line allocations from PEDO powerhouses to economic zones and industrial units.
The sports sector also saw significant investment, including equipment for the Hayatabad Sports Complex, support for squash revival, and upgrades to sports grounds in Swat. Meanwhile, the youth development package and community housing plans for tourists were also greenlit.
Healthcare and education also received attention, with the establishment of an Independent Monitoring Unit in the health department and procurement of equipment for the Orthopedic and Spine Surgery Block at Hayatabad Medical Complex.
Integrated area development packages for South Waziristan and Khyber districts were endorsed to promote agricultural and horticultural activities in merged areas. E-stamp services and a new resource center for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were also approved.
These projects, particularly in merged districts, are seen as critical to integrating historically marginalized regions into the national framework. Enhanced infrastructure, healthcare, and economic opportunities are expected to uplift local communities, foster trade, and promote stability.
