PESHAWAR: The Kukikhel tribesmen of Khyber tribal district have accepted a government request to hand over possession of land to National Highway Authority, thus allowing it to complete the remaining section of the long-awaited Northern Bypass Road.

In a statement issued here on Sunday, Peshawar division commissioner Riaz Mehsood said that the Kukikhel tribesman had agreed during a jirga to hand over the land to NHA after holding negotiations with an official team. He added that the issue pending for last 16 years had finally been resolved.

He said that after completion of the remaining portion of the Northern Bypass Road from Khyber district’s Takhta Beg area to Nasir Bagh Road in the provincial capital, the travel distance from motorway to Takhta Beg would be reduced to 18 minutes.

“It would also help smooth flow of traffic on the Jamrud Road, University Road, Ring Road and GT Road.”

“The road will be open for traffic by December 31 this year. Commuters to and from Afghanistan, Khyber and Peshawar will use the same road. The artery will also reduce traffic issues in Karkhano market, Hayatabad and on Ring Road,” Mr Mehsood said, adding that NHA had been directed to start construction work immediately.

The commissioner also said that the affected people would soon meet the chief minister to discuss the payment of compensation.

He added that Khyber deputy commissioner Captain retired Sanaullah had played a vital role in resolving the long-awaited issue.

Mr Mehsood also said that the residents of the provincial capital would soon hear good news about construction of the Southern Bypass Road as well.

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2024