Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has formally enacted a major new law aimed at protecting the properties of overseas Pakistanis, resolving ownership disputes through special courts and preventing illegal occupation and fraudulent transfers.
The legislation, titled the Overseas Pakistanis Property Act 2026, was introduced in the provincial assembly by Law Minister Aftab Alam. Under the new law, special courts will be established across the province in consultation with the Peshawar High Court to hear and decide cases related to properties owned by overseas Pakistanis.
According to the law, all pending cases involving expatriate-owned properties will be transferred to the newly established special courts for immediate hearing. These courts will be presided over by judges holding the rank of Additional District and Sessions Judge.
The law allows overseas Pakistanis to file applications online and record their statements through video link, removing the need for them to travel to Pakistan for every stage of legal proceedings. The courts will be required to decide cases within 120 days, while appeals must be filed within 15 days of the verdict.
The legislation also seeks to prevent illegal property transfers, facilitate recovery of rent from occupied properties and allow court notices to be served through modern and accessible means, including mobile phones, email and announcements through mosques.
Provincial government representatives said the law is designed to restore the confidence of overseas Pakistanis, protect their investments and provide an effective legal mechanism against land grabbing, illegal occupation and prolonged litigation.
During the same session, the Ehsaas Handcart Protection Bill 2026 was also presented in the assembly. The proposed law aims to regulate the registration of nearly 140,000 handcart vendors across the province and protect them from harassment, bribery and unlawful action.
Under the bill, no action will be allowed against registered handcart vendors without prior notice. Any harassment, illegal proceedings or demand for bribes from registered vendors will be treated as a serious offense. The bill was referred to the relevant standing committee, which has been directed to review it within 15 days.

Peshawar: [ReNews Pakistan]
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has inaugurated Package One of the northern section of the Peshawar Ring Road, marking the completion of a key 2.1 kilometre missing link at a cost of PKR 2 billion.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the chief minister said the Ring Road project is an important part of the government’s broader plan to improve urban mobility, reduce traffic pressure and strengthen infrastructure in Peshawar. He said work on the remaining packages of the project is progressing at a fast pace.
Afridi also announced that the feasibility study for the proposed Outer Ring Road project will be completed soon. He said the new road network would play a major role in supporting future urban expansion and improving connectivity between different parts of the city and surrounding areas.
The chief minister said the provincial government’s PKR 200 billion Peshawar Revitalisation Plan is a comprehensive development programme aimed at modernising the city and providing improved civic facilities to residents. He added that projects worth PKR 171 billion under the plan have already been approved.
Highlighting the government’s performance in the infrastructure sector, Afridi said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has already delivered major urban transport projects, including the Bus Rapid Transit system in Peshawar. He said the government is now focusing on wider urban development through the revitalisation programme.
The chief minister also rejected allegations of corruption in development schemes.
During his address, Afridi raised concerns over the province’s share in federal fiscal resources. He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is not receiving its due share under the National Finance Commission Award. According to him, if the NFC formula is revised, the province’s share could increase from 14.6 percent to 19 percent.
Afridi said the Constitution gives the province the first right over its natural resources. He also described Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s surplus electricity generation as an important provincial asset that should be recognised and utilised for the benefit of its people.
Officials informed the ceremony that the total cost of the first phase of the northern section of the Peshawar Ring Road is PKR 9.6 billion. They said work is also underway on additional packages from Warsak Road to Nasir Bagh Road, while tenders for the second and third phases of the project have already been issued.
The completion of the missing link is expected to ease traffic movement, improve access to different parts of Peshawar and support the city’s long-term urban development plans.

Peshawar: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Pakistan Housing Authority Foundation (PHAF), in partnership with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has formally moved its flagship housing project, PHAF Residencia Peshawar, into the implementation phase, with major construction and development activities now underway.
According to project details, nearly 885 housing units are currently under construction, while work on the project’s main boulevard is also progressing. The police station planned within the project area is nearing completion, with officials reporting that around 80 percent of construction work has already been completed.
A major infrastructure component linked to the project is the proposed 10 kilometre dual carriageway from Kohat Road along the Zangali Canal to the project site. Officials say the road corridor is vital for improving connectivity, supporting future urban expansion, and ensuring smooth access to the housing scheme. However, the execution of the carriageway has faced delays despite approval and the award of contract nearly three years ago.
The PHAF Residencia Peshawar project was originally initiated in 2019, but progress was slowed due to land related issues. These matters were later resolved through coordination between PHAF and the provincial authorities. A consensus with local stakeholders in February 2023 helped pave the way for land availability and the resumption of development work. Following this, planning, surveys, and contract awards were completed.
Once fully developed, the project is expected to include approximately 7,786 housing units and 5,632 apartments, along with a commercial zone aimed at attracting investment and supporting economic activity in the region.
Managing Director and CEO of PHAF, Muhammad Shahid Hussain, said the project is designed to promote planned urban growth and meet the increasing housing demand in Peshawar. He added that preparations are also underway for the project’s second phase, which is expected to include the construction of an additional 800 housing units. Work on the next phase is likely to begin by September 2026.
He further stated that the long-term value of PHAF Residencia Peshawar could be strengthened by planned infrastructure developments in the region, including the proposed new airport in Peshawar, which may improve accessibility and enhance the urban importance of the area.