Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

Mansehra: [ReNews Pakistan]
Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi, on Wednesday inaugurated and performed groundbreaking ceremonies for 12 major development projects worth more than Rs 25 billion during a visit to Mansehra district, marking one of the province’s largest development initiatives for the region.
The comprehensive package is aimed at improving essential public services and accelerating socio-economic development in Mansehra, with a strong focus on clean drinking water, healthcare, education, sports facilities, and civic infrastructure.
Among the flagship initiatives announced was the Rs 18.5 billion Mansehra Gravity Flow Water Supply Scheme, expected to significantly improve access to clean drinking water for thousands of residents. Other major projects included the Rs 2 billion Institute of Allied Health Sciences, the Rs 1.8 billion Achhar Nala Dam, and the Rs1 billion upgradation project for Thakra Stadium.
The development package also included the upgradation of Basic Health Unit (BHU) Sandesar, establishment of a Rescue Station at Pano Dheri, inauguration of a Degree College for Boys, and the foundation stone laying ceremony for a modern Cath Lab facility aimed at strengthening healthcare services in the district.
In addition, land allocation for a public graveyard, the establishment of Kotkay Park, improvements to the Mansehra Water Supply Scheme, and the creation of Tehsil Tanawal were also announced as part of the broader development agenda.
Addressing a ceremony in Mansehra, the Chief Minister described the projects as a “gift for the people” and said they would bring visible improvements to daily life while integrating underdeveloped areas into the mainstream of progress.
He reiterated that balanced and inclusive development across all districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained the provincial government’s top priority, adding that public resources were being utilized transparently and fairly to ensure maximum public benefit.
Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi said the government was committed to reforms in key sectors including health, education, drinking water, and sports, noting that development initiatives were being extended to remote and neglected areas of the province.
He further assured that all projects would be completed in line with merit, transparency, and quality standards to ensure long-term benefits for local communities.

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.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
Authorities have installed panic buttons at 68 key locations across Peshawar under the Safe City Project, marking an important step toward improving emergency response and strengthening public safety in the provincial capital.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, the newly installed panic buttons are equipped with audio and video communication features and are directly linked to the Safe City headquarters. Citizens can use these devices to contact law enforcement authorities immediately in case of an emergency.
Officials said that once a panic button is activated, the system will alert the monitoring centre, allowing police teams to respond without delay. The feature is designed to reduce response time and provide citizens with a direct communication link to emergency services. The initiative is aimed at enhancing safety arrangements in busy public places, especially for students, women, and other vulnerable segments of society. The system would also improve coordination between the public and law enforcement agencies during emergency situations.
The panic button network is part of a wider effort to modernise policing infrastructure in Peshawar through the Safe City Project. The devices have been placed at strategic locations and integrated with a central monitoring system to ensure real-time communication between citizens and police.
Authorities said the system will help provide quicker assistance in emergency situations and support more effective monitoring of public spaces. They added that similar facilities are also planned for other cities in the future, although no specific timeline or operational details have been shared so far.
The initiative reflects the provincial police’s ongoing efforts to adopt technology based solutions for public safety, improve service delivery, and make emergency assistance more accessible to citizens.