PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi on Tuesday announced a Rs200 billion special development package for Hazara Division.

“From this package,Rs50 billion should be allocated for tourism-related projects in order to fully harness the region’s potential, including its natural beauty and tourist destinations,” Mr Afridi told lawmakers from Hazara Division during a meeting.

An official statement quoted the chief minister as directing authorities to convene a separate consultative session with lawmakers to discuss development schemes to be included in the special development plan, saying this will help design practical and sustainable projects in accordance with local needs and priorities.

The demand for the dualisation of the GT Road’s Haripur-Mansehra section, which falls under the administrative control of the federal government and National Highway Authority, was put forward.

Says Allai to be notified as district

The chief minister announced that the provincial government would provide financial support and extend full cooperation for the project.

The meeting also held consultation regarding the preparation of the upcoming Annual Development Programme and the developmental needs of the division.

The chief minister said that the development planning for the next fiscal year would be “distinct and more impactful than the past’s through inclusion of large-scale projects of public importance.

He said that priority would be given to the completion of ongoing schemes to translate development initiatives into tangible public relief.

Mr Afridi announced that the notification for granting district status to Allai would be issued to bring administrative affairs closer to the people and to improve service delivery at the local level.

He said that all PC-I documents for development projects should be completed before finalising the Annual Development Programme to ensure transparent and efficient utilisation of resources.

The CM said that in line with the vision of former prime minister Imran Khan, significant investment would be made in the health and education sectors, while special focus would be given to backward districts of the province.

The meeting was attended by Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Babar Saleem Swati and the national and provincial assembly members elected from Hazara Division.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2026