Provincial leadership outlines comprehensive strategy prioritizing economic stability, infrastructure and youth empowerment
PESHAWAR: A high-level meeting chaired by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Suhail Afridi reviewed the proposed development program for the upcoming fiscal year 2026-27, focusing on public welfare and economic growth.
Officials from multiple departments, including excise, local government, climate change, food, housing, agriculture, livestock and energy, presented new project proposals. Priorities were set with an emphasis on improving public services and enhancing living standards across the province.
The chief minister said the upcoming budget would focus on creating employment opportunities and strengthening economic stability, particularly for youth and low- and middle-income groups. He directed authorities to prioritize projects that directly benefit citizens.
The meeting also discussed plans to establish Safe City projects in Kohat, Mardan, Peshawar and merged districts. Authorities were instructed to relocate grain warehouses from Peshawar and develop modern storage facilities at divisional headquarters to improve food security.
Proposals were reviewed to strengthen law enforcement capacity, including the establishment of eight new excise stations, improved prison security, police infrastructure upgrades and provision of modern equipment to the Special Branch. District-level counterterrorism coordination systems were also considered.
In the energy sector, plans for mini solar grids in merged districts, rehabilitation of micro hydropower stations in Tirah and installation of new feeders were discussed. A 22-megawatt Patrak Sharingal hydropower project is also under consideration.
The chief minister emphasized solarization of government offices and households in merged districts, alongside exploring additional renewable energy projects. He also called for initiatives to promote youth skills, e-commerce and small businesses.
Environmental protection measures, including establishing a climate change authority and expanding forest cover, were proposed. Agriculture and livestock development plans, including modern markets, biogas projects and mobile veterinary services, were also reviewed.
The chief minister directed officials to finalize viable projects promptly, stressing improved law and order and public welfare as central goals of the new development budget.
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