Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Development News

[ghazi52]

K-P launches free OPD under Sehat Card​

Pilot project begins in Mardan, with plans to expand it to three more districts

Our Correspondent
February 20, 2025

PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has taken another unique initiative to ensure universal health coverage by including free OPD (Outpatient Department) services under the Sehat Card Plus scheme.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has formally inaugurated the free OPD services at a ceremony held at the Chief Minister House on Wednesday.

Members of the provincial cabinet, national and provincial assemblies, and Health Department officials attended the ceremony.

The OPD scheme is being launched as a pilot project in Mardan district, benefiting 50,000 deserving households. In the second phase, the scheme will be extended to Chitral, Malakand, and Kohat districts.

Under this scheme, medications, medical tests, and healthcare services will be provided free-of-cost.

The pilot project is being launched in collaboration with the German organization KfW and will be further expanded in the future.

Based on the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) data, approximately 120,000 deserving households from the four mentioned districts will benefit from this facility.

Free OPD services will be available not only at hospitals already on the Sehat Card panel but also at all Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs) at the Union Council level.

 

[ghazi52]

According to the KPK government, the public-sector energy projects of the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PEDO) fulfill the three criteria shared with the provincial government’s team.

On the issue of financial commitment, the KPK government stated that the total financing requirement for the projects is $727 million. The financial commitment is secured and distributed as follows:

(i) IDA Credit: 34.4% (World Bank) ;

(ii) IBRD loan: 27.5% (World Bank) ;

(iii) Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (GoKP); 12.7%; and

(iv) commercial bank: 25.4%( if required.

Sharing details of financial progress greater than 10%, KPK Energy Advisor said that the Gabral Kalam and Madyan HPPs have achieved a 10.36% financial progress, covering:

(i) Gabral Kalam and Madyan feasibility and design (completed) - cost Rs 418 million;

(ii) tendering phase (completed) - Rs 42.134 million;

(iii) land acquisition Gabral Kalam (completed) – Rs 1655.79 million;

(iv) Gabral Kalam Employer’s Colony Construction works (40%) – Rs 1852 million;

(v) commitment charges - Rs 598.076 million ($2.6m);

(vi) PPA-cost Rs 38.946 million; and

(vii) IPOEs-cost Rs 51.508 million.

According to SAPM on Energy and Power KPK, construction progress greater than 10% for Gabral Kalam HPP:

(i) while overall construction progress for Gabral Kalam Hydropower Project stood at 9%, several key components have achieved significant milestones along with payments made;

(ii) land acquisition cost: Rs 1,655.79 million;

(iii) Consultants progress: 35% (Rs 509.68 million) ;

(iv) detailed design and tender documents completed;

(v) bids evaluation completed;

(vi) Employer’s Colony Construction- progress 40% (Rs 537.24 million);

(vii) Civil Works - tender process completed, No Objection Letter (NOL) awaited from World Bank;

(viii) E&M Works - tender process completed, NOL awaited from World Bank;

(ix) upon NOL clearance (within next two months) for Gabral Kalam by the World Bank, project progress is expected to exceed 15%, facilitated by the disbursement of 10% mobilization advances for civil and E&M works (10%). Mobilization cost of Civil Works Rs 5080 miilion and E&M Rs 1680 million).

 

[ghazi52]

Madyan HPP:

(i) feasibility study completed;

(ii) detailed design and tender documents completed;

(iii) bids evaluation completed. For civil works NOL awaited from World Bank and for E&M works, PEDO’s Procurement Committee Approval awaited;

(iv) Consultants progress: 37.5% (Rs 543.31 million);

(v) similarly, after NOL clearance (within two months) for Madyan Civil Works, project progress will surpass 10%, following the disbursement of 10% Mobilization Advance for Civil Works is Rs 9200 million approximately; and

(vi) in Madyan, land acquisition through private negotiations (as required by the World Bank) is under process. The disbursement of funds will further accelerate overall progress.

After sharing updated status of hydel projects, Energy Assistant to CM on Energy and Power, KPK has sought Power Minister’s intervention to ensure that Gabral Kalam HPP and Madyan HPP are reinstated as ‘committed projects’ in the upcoming IGCEP 2024-34, adding that given their secured financing, demonstrated progress, and strategic significance for Pakistan’s energy security, their exclusion contradicts the established criteria.

He has requested Minister for Power to direct NTDC to recognize these projects accordingly which would not only uphold fairness in energy planning but also reinforce national commitments to sustainable and renewable energy development.

 

[ghazi52]

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐨𝐭 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧!

On May 26th, the project marked a key milestone with the first concrete pouring at the diversion tunnel entrance, totaling 80 cubic meters.

Despite challenges like complex geology and high temperatures, the team ensured success through detailed planning, strict material control, and enhanced workforce training.

Chinese and Pakistani teams closely monitored the entire process, ensuring high-quality execution. This achievement accelerates project progress and brings us closer to meeting the year-end diversion target.

 

[ghazi52]

The downstream section of the A3 diversion tunnel at the Balakot Hydropower Station officially commenced. The current phase includes 89.91 meters of tunnel excavation, marking a significant advancement that will serve as a slag discharge channel for the regulating well and pressure shaft, enhancing overall construction efficiency and safety.

As the largest hydropower project planned by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Authority, Balakot Hydropower Station will feature a 300MW installed capacity with three mixed-flow turbines. Upon completion, it will contribute to alleviating the regional power shortage and increasing Pakistan’s share of clean, renewable energy.

 

[ghazi52]

Rs 500m saffron cultivation project launched​

October 08, 2025

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has launched a three-year project worth Rs500 million to promote saffron cultivation aimed at economically empowering poor and small farmers of the province.

Under the initiative, starting from the fiscal year 2024-25, saffron cultivation is being introduced in 21 districts of the province, including Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Bajaur, Malakand, Upper Swat, Lower Swat, Shangla, Buner, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Battagram, Torghar, Haripur, Swabi, Hangu, and North and South Waziristan, among others.

 

[ghazi52]

Afridi inaugurates dam, road projects in Dir​

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Saturday undertook a day-long visit to District Dir Lower, where he inaugurated two key development projects, including the long-awaited 40.8-megawatt Koto Hydropower Project.

Completed at a cost of Rs21.7 billion, the project is expected to produce 207 million units of electricity annually, generating an estimated Rs2.4 billion in revenue each year. Officials said the hydropower initiative is among the province's most significant steps toward strengthening energy self-sufficiency and supporting sustainable economic growth.

During his visit, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the 18.5-kilometre Tormang-Razgram Road, constructed at a cost of Rs1.5 billion. The new road is expected to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and facilitate socio-economic activities in the area.

 

[ghazi52]

K-P boosts funding, widens scholarships​

CM Afridi awards Rs64m to 347 students and announces Rs300m boost for KPEF

Ahtesham Bashir
November 18, 2025


Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has announced the provision of Rs300 million in additional funds for the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Education Foundation (KPEF), with the aim of expanding educational opportunities across the province. Under the new allocation, Rs200 million will be directed to the settled districts, while Rs100 million will support students in the merged tribal districts.

The announcement was made during a scholarship distribution ceremony hosted at the Chief Minister's House in Peshawar on Monday, where the provincial government awarded scholarship cheques worth Rs64 million to 347 undergraduate and graduate students studying in various universities across the country. The event was organized by the Higher Education Department (HED).

 

[ghazi52]

K-P completes three hydropower projects, eyes Rs4.4bn annual revenue​

The projects include the 40.8MW Koto hydropower project, the 11.8MW Karora project, and the 10.2MW Jabori project

Web Desk
December 14, 2025

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has completed three hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 63 megawatts using its own resources, a move expected to generate Rs4.4 billion in annual revenue for the province, Express News reported.

The projects were completed during the current year and include the 40.8MW Koto hydropower project in Lower Dir, the 11.8MW Karora project in Shangla, and the 10.2MW Jabori project in Mansehra.

Secretary Energy and Power Nisar Ahmed disclosed the details while chairing a review meeting at PEDO House on the progress of seven ongoing hydropower projects in the province.

He said work had also been accelerated on a 40-kilometre transmission line along the Swat corridor, which is expected to be completed next year. Once completed, the transmission infrastructure will enable the sale of low-cost electricity to the province’s industrial sector, he added.

Briefing the meeting, Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organisation (PEDO) Chief Executive Habibullah Shah said several large hydropower projects were under various stages of development.

These include the 300MW Balakot project in Mansehra, 157MW Madain project in Swat, 88MW Gabrial project in Kalam, 84MW Matiltan project in Swat, 69MW Lawi project in Chitral, and the 6.9MW Mujahideen hydropower project in Torghar.

The energy secretary expressed strong displeasure over slow progress on three flagship energy projects in Swat district, which are expected to collectively produce 330MW of electricity. He said deadlines had been set to begin power generation from these projects within the next two years.

“Any further delay will be unacceptable,” he warned, directing project directors to ensure completion within the stipulated timelines.

Ahmed emphasised teamwork among PEDO officials, saying the energy department was monitoring the physical progress of all ongoing projects on a daily basis through Gantt charts under the provincial government’s good governance roadmap.

He described the 40-kilometre-long 132/220kV transmission line project from Matiltan to Madain as critically important and directed that it be completed within the next year.

The secretary also instructed the newly appointed project director of the 300MW Balakot hydropower project to further accelerate work on what is the province’s largest energy scheme.

During the meeting, Ahmed issued additional directives aimed at improving transparency in PEDO’s administrative affairs.

 

[ghazi52]

Ichar Nullah Dam. Mansehra recently Inaugurated by Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi.

 

[Fatman17]

 

[RealNapster]

Afridi Launches Major Development Projects, Decries ‘Stepchild Treatment’ of KP


Criticizing the federal government, Afridi said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was being treated like a stepchild. He alleged that the province and the merged districts were not receiving their fair share under the NFC Award and claimed that the federal government owed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rs4.758 trillion.


Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Dilazak Road Underpass in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said that it was a day of celebration as development projects were being launched in line with the vision of the founding chairman.


He said that Rs100 billion had been allocated for the development and rehabilitation of Peshawar, while projects worth Rs200 billion were being inaugurated today.

The chief minister stated that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had made immense sacrifices in the war against terrorism, with millions displaced as a result. He claimed that development work had begun from Peshawar and that the public would witness visible changes within the next 60 days.


Criticizing the federal government, Afridi said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was being treated like a stepchild. He alleged that the province and the merged districts were not receiving their fair share under the NFC Award and claimed that the federal government owed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rs4.758 trillion.

He further alleged that some individuals purchase properties abroad and engage in political horse-trading, while funds allocated for the province’s development projects were also being withheld.


According to the chief minister, the federal government had earmarked only Rs500–600 million for provincial projects, but even that amount had not been released.


He said that the federal government was also withholding No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for several projects, including the General Bus Stand and Swat Dam. He added that for the past 78 years, a particular mindset had deprived Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of development, despite the province sacrificing 80,000 lives for Pakistan.


Afridi said that every new policy decision was made behind closed doors and alleged that the federal government was discriminating against the province because of the founding chairman. He claimed that 7,000 workers of his party appeared in courts in Islamabad multiple times every month.

Referring to Gilgit-Baltistan, he said that the treatment of his party’s leaders and workers there was evident to all, and claimed that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan would respond through the power of their vote.


The chief minister said that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wanted the upcoming budget to be discussed with the founding chairman. He warned that if he and the finance minister were not allowed to meet the founding chairman by June 9, they would stage a sit-in outside the National Assembly on June 10.

Afridi asserted that no one could remove the provincial government established under the leadership of the founding chairman. He announced that Rs50 billion had been allocated to promote tourism in Mansehra and that youth and internship programmes would be introduced for young people.


He also said that interest-free loans would be provided to minorities and persons with disabilities, while revolutionary initiatives would be launched in the health and education sectors.

The chief minister further stated that despite what he described as fabricated reports, the founding chairman had allowed Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment. He claimed that the founding chairman himself was suffering from a serious eye condition and had lost up to 85 percent of his eyesight. Afridi demanded that he be provided medical treatment of his choice.


Concluding his speech, the chief minister said that resistance was the only option left and that all Pakistanis should be prepared for it.

Afridi Launches Major Development Projects, Decries ‘Stepchild Treatment’ of KP

Afridi Launches Major Development Projects, Decries ‘Stepchild Treatment’ of KP

tnnenglish.com

 

[RealNapster]

KP to set up 72 Chief Minister Model Schools


PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has directed the education department to immediately initiate work on the legal framework for the construction of 72 Chief Minister Model Schools across the province.

He stated this while chairing a meeting on the initiative, which is part of the government’s education reform agenda, according to a statement issued here on Wednesday.

Afridi emphasised that the schools would be equipped with modern teaching methodologies, highly trained faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities aimed at delivering quality education to students across the province.


He said that access to quality education was a fundamental right of every child and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving educational outcomes and raising standards across the province.

He noted that education sector reforms remained one of the government’s foremost priorities and that comprehensive and sustainable measures were being introduced to address longstanding challenges facing the sector.

The chief minister expressed his resolve to develop Chief Minister Model Schools into a benchmark for quality and modern education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He observed that investment in education is, in essence, an investment in human capital, sustainable development and the future prosperity of the province.


The meeting was given a detailed briefing on the proposed initiative and the preliminary framework.

The meeting was informed that a total of 72 model schools for boys and girls would be established across all districts of the province during the next fiscal year.

The estimated cost of the initiative has been projected at Rs9.5 billion.

The briefing further highlighted that a dedicated legal and regulatory framework would be developed for the schools, while a centralised board of governors would be constituted to oversee their governance and management.

It was also informed that the curriculum and assessment system of the model schools would be distinct from the conventional public school system and designed to align with contemporary educational standards and future workforce requirements.

Provincial minister for education Arshad Ayub Khan, along with senior officials of the Elementary and Secondary Education Department, attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2026

KP to set up 72 Chief Minister Model Schools

CM Afridi emphasises that the schools will be equipped with modern teaching methodologies, highly trained faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities.

www.dawn.com

 

[RealNapster]

CM KP inagurates Rs1.9bln Kabootar Chowk underpass on Peshawar Ring road


Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Thursday inaugurated construction of the Kabootar Chowk Underpass on Ring Road, a Rs 1.989 billion project aimed at easing traffic congestion in Peshawar.
The 60-day project is part of the provincial government’s flagship “Revitalisation of Peshawar Programme”, a Rs 200 billion urban development initiative described as the largest in the city’s history.


Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Afridi said the underpass would improve traffic flow, cut travel time, reduce fuel consumption, and provide safer commuting facilities. He said the programme was focused on restoring Peshawar’s status as a modern, integrated and sustainable urban centre with quality infrastructure and expanded economic opportunities.

Officials briefed that more than Rs 95 billion worth of projects under the programme are already under implementation, while tenders have been issued for additional schemes worth Rs 29 billion.

The chief minister linked the development drive to the vision of PTI founder Imran Khan, saying the provincial government had entered a new phase of public welfare, infrastructure modernisation, youth empowerment and inclusive growth. He added that the Rs 200 billion programme would reshape Peshawar’s urban landscape to meet the needs of its growing population.

Afridi also raised provincial grievances on security and finance. He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had sacrificed over 80,000 lives in the fight against terrorism and was still bearing a disproportionate burden. He expressed concern over policy decisions affecting the merged districts and said the province was not receiving its due share of resources, with financial integration of the merged districts remaining incomplete. He claimed substantial liabilities owed by the federal government to KP remained unresolved.

He cited delays in key projects, including the completed but non-operational Peshawar Bus Terminal due to connectivity issues, and a dam project in Swat held up by the federal government’s non-issuance of NOCs to foreign technical experts.

On politics, Afridi condemned what he called the continued victimisation of PTI leaders and workers. He said consultation with Imran Khan was essential for the upcoming provincial budget, which would prioritise social protection, poverty alleviation and inclusive development. He warned that if permission for a meeting with Khan was not granted by June 9, a sit-in would be held outside the National Assembly on June 10, calling it a legitimate constitutional right.

CM KP inagurates Rs1.9bln Kabootar Chowk underpass on Peshawar Ring road

DLP Report PESHAWAR Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Thursday inaugurated construction of the Kabootar Chowk Underpass on Ring Road, a Rs 1.989 billion project aimed at easing traffic congestion in Peshawar. The 60-day project is part of the provincial government’s...

leadpakistan.com.pk

 

[RealNapster]

This is from February. But no one uploaded this so I am uploading it.


KP CM inaugurates multiple projects in Khyber
February 12, 2026 07:14am


PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Tuesday reviewed development progress in District Khyber and inaugurated multiple projects reflecting the provincial government’s focus on modern education, improved healthcare, infrastructure development, and positive engagement of youth.

During the visit, the Chief Minister inaugurated the upgradation of the Government College of Engineering and Technology Jamrud to Applied Sciences, formally opened 50 newly constructed and rehabilitated educational institutions in terrorism affected areas, inaugurated the completed Bara Bypass Road, launched the Sehat Sahulat Programme at DHQ Hospital Jamrud, and inaugurated a special maternal and child nutrition facility, along with several other public welfare projects.

Addressing various ceremonies during the visit, the Chief Minister said that these initiatives reflect a comprehensive government strategy aimed at promoting modern education, strengthening infrastructure, improving healthcare services, and encouraging positive activities across the province.

He stated that the present provincial government is taking concrete steps to address the longstanding deprivations of the people of underdeveloped districts, adding that public welfare and protection of citizens’ rights remain the top priority, on which no compromise will be made.


He asserted that decisions will now be made strictly in the interest of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and that the government will not step back even an inch in safeguarding those interests.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the upgradation of Government College of Engineering and Technology Jamrud, the Chief Minister stated that modern academic programmes including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Robotics, and Software Engineering will give a new direction to education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noting that the outdated education system had been producing unemployment, whereas the current government is moving towards a modern, market oriented education framework.

He informed that state of the art laboratories and modern libraries are being established in colleges across the province for the first time, and that this advanced education model will be gradually expanded from throughout the province.

He emphasized that the government seeks to empower youth through education and knowledge, stressing that global competition is impossible without modern science and technology.


The Chief Minister made it clear that decisions will no longer being dictated from Islamabad or Rawalpindi, but will be taken in accordance with the interests of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and in line with the vision of Imran Khan and the manifesto of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf.

In his address, the Chief Minister termed the imprisonment of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi unjust and expressed serious concern over violations of their fundamental rights. He said that despite Imran Khan’s deteriorating health, his personal doctors have not been allowed access.

He revealed that he himself was stopped more than twelve times from visiting Adiala Jail and that his passport was placed on the stop list, which he termed discriminatory treatment against a constitutional office.

He stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a federating unit of Pakistan, yet an unequal and unfair attitude is being adopted towards its Chief Minister, adding that if such treatment can be meted out to a Chief Minister, one can only imagine the plight of an ordinary citizen.

The Chief Minister said that he approached the Islamabad High Court and the Supreme Court but received no relief, adding that all constitutional, legal, and democratic avenues had been exhausted. He remarked that when all doors are closed, peaceful protest becomes the only option, which will be carried out strictly within the framework of the Constitution and law.

He urged the youth to stand up for their rights and oppose any policy that goes against the interests of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reiterating his resolve to not retreat even an inch in defending the rights of the people.

Condemning the torture of lawyer Ali Zaman, the Chief Minister said that abduction and torture by individuals in plain clothes fall within the definition of terrorism, warning that every act of injustice will be held accountable, as power is not permanent.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated 50 reconstructed and rehabilitated schools in Bara and surrounding terrorism affected areas of District Khyber, rebuilt with financial and technical assistance from the government of China.

He was briefed that the project included 35 primary schools, 7 middle schools, 7 high schools, and one higher secondary school.

The institutions have been equipped with solar energy systems, clean drinking water, cooling, and sanitation facilities, and have been handed over to the Education Department.

The Chief Minister said that this project represents investment in future generations, adding that terrorists destroyed schools, but the provincial government rebuilt the future.

KP CM inaugurates multiple projects in Khyber

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Tuesday reviewed development progress in...

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