Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a major expansion of its Safe City initiative, allocating PKR 5.8 billion in the 2026 27 provincial budget to extend the project to 13 districts as part of a broader strategy to enhance public security, improve surveillance capabilities and strengthen crime prevention across the province.
According to the provincial budget documents, the expansion will introduce modern monitoring, communication and surveillance systems in both settled and newly merged districts, enabling law enforcement agencies to respond more effectively to security threats and criminal activity. The initiative is expected to improve coordination among security institutions while increasing the use of technology in policing and public safety operations.
In addition to the district expansion, the government has earmarked PKR 350 million for the establishment of a state-of-the-art command and control centre in Peshawar, which will serve as the operational hub for monitoring and coordinating Safe City operations across the province.
The project will be implemented in phases. Phase One will cover South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Orakzai and Kurram, with a proposed allocation of PKR 1.8 billion. Phase Two will extend the initiative to Khyber, Mohmand and Bajaur, further expanding the province's security monitoring network in strategically important border districts.
The budget also proposes an additional PKR 700 million for the ongoing Peshawar Safe City project, where more than PKR 2 billion has already been invested in surveillance infrastructure and related security systems.
Separate allocations have also been made for other districts. PKR 500 million has been proposed for Safe City projects in Kohat, Mardan and Swat, while Karak and Tank will receive PKR 350 million. An initial allocation of PKR 20 million has been earmarked for launching the project in Mansehra.
Officials believe the expanded Safe City programme will enhance law enforcement capabilities through advanced surveillance technology, integrated communication systems and real-time monitoring, ultimately improving public safety, supporting crime prevention and strengthening the province's overall security infrastructure.

Abbottabad: [ReNews Pakistan]
The long awaited Abbottabad Interchange project has received fresh approval following a detailed review by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP), removing a key hurdle that had delayed the scheme and paving the way for construction work to commence in the near future.
According to former Federal Minister Murtaza Javed Abbasi, the interchange was originally announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in 2022 as part of efforts to improve road infrastructure and strengthen connectivity in the Hazara region. The project was subsequently tendered in 2023, but progress stalled due to a substantial increase in land acquisition costs.
Abbasi said that the federal government had already released PKR 600 million for the project. Initially, the acquisition of 119 kanals of land required for the interchange was estimated to cost around PKR 115 million. However, a revised assessment by the district administration increased the acquisition cost to approximately PKR 810 million, creating a significant funding gap and necessitating a review by the CDWP.
Following the review process, the project was granted fresh approval by the National Highway Authority’s (NHA) Departmental Development Committee. The approval is expected to accelerate implementation and allow authorities to proceed with the next phase of development.
Officials believe the interchange will play a crucial role in improving traffic management in Abbottabad, reducing congestion on key routes, and enhancing access for commuters and transporters traveling through the region. The project is also expected to benefit neighboring districts, including Mansehra and Haripur, by providing smoother and more efficient road connectivity.
Abbasi expressed optimism that construction activities would begin shortly after the completion of remaining administrative formalities. He added that the project’s inauguration is likely to be carried out by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif once work progresses to a suitable stage.
The Abbottabad Interchange is considered an important infrastructure initiative for the Hazara division, with stakeholders hoping it will support economic activity, facilitate regional mobility, and contribute to long-term transportation development in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a Rs 2.17 trillion budget for the fiscal year 2026 27, placing a major emphasis on development projects, urban improvement, infrastructure expansion and regional uplift across the province.
Presenting the budget in the KP Assembly, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said the provincial government has allocated Rs 524 billion for the Annual Development Programme, making development spending one of the central pillars of the new financial plan. The budget also sets aside Rs 35 billion for merged tribal districts, reflecting the government’s focus on infrastructure and public service delivery in previously underdeveloped areas.
A major urban development component of the budget is the Rs 36 billion allocation for the Peshawar Rehabilitation Programme. The initiative is expected to support improvement of civic infrastructure, public spaces, roads and urban services in the provincial capital.
The government has also earmarked Rs 7.5 billion for the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit project, indicating continued financial support for mass transit and urban mobility. In addition, Rs 4 billion has been allocated for the Khushhal Hazara Programme, aimed at regional development in Hazara division.
The budget proposes Rs 42 billion for the energy sector, a key area linked with industrial growth, real estate development and long-term investment activity. The transport sector has been allocated Rs 14 billion, while local government has received Rs 90 billion, which may support municipal services, local infrastructure and development schemes at district level.
The agriculture department has been allocated Rs. 29 billion, while Rs 2 billion has been proposed for the Ehsaas Kisan Programme. These allocations are expected to support rural development and strengthen the economic base of agricultural areas.
The budget also includes Rs 2.5 billion for an electric bikes and rickshaws scheme, aimed at promoting cleaner and more affordable transport options in urban and semi-urban areas.
The proposed budget will now be debated in the KP Assembly before being put to a vote for approval.