PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Wednesday said the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 would be designed with a particular focus on empowering youth and improving the socio-economic conditions of low- and middle-income segments of society.

“Our budgetary priorities will be aligned to expand employment opportunities and promote inclusive economic growth. I have ordered authorities to accord the highest priority to the development interventions with direct and tangible public benefit,” Mr Afridi said while chairing a meeting of the planning and development department on the proposed Annual Development Programme for 2026-27.

The participants reviewed the proposed ADP and deliberated on new development initiatives across multiple sectors, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office.

They also examined proposed schemes relating to the excise, local government, climate change, food, housing, home, agriculture, livestock and energy departments, with priorities identified in line with public welfare and sustainable socio economic development objectives.

Meeting reviews proposed ADP, uplift initiatives for next year

The meeting considered proposals to establish Safe City in Kohat, Mardan, Peshawar and the merged districts as part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen urban security and public safety infrastructure.

The chief minister ordered the relocation of the existing grain warehouse from Peshawar and instructed authorities to establish a modern alternative facility.

The participants reviewed proposals for establishing technologically advanced grain storage facilities at divisional headquarters to improve food security management and storage efficiency.

In order to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement and public security institutions, the meeting reviewed proposals for the acquisition of land for the establishment of eight new excise police stations in various districts, enhancement of prison security infrastructure, strengthening of police stations, provision of advanced equipment to the special branch and establishment of district level Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) structures, according to the statement.

Proposals were discussed for the establishment of mini solar grids in the merged districts, rehabilitation of micro hydropower stations in Tirah and installation of new electricity feeders.

The meeting also considered the inclusion of the 22-megawatt Patrak Shringle hydropower station in the next development programme.

The chief minister said that all government offices in the merged districts should be transitioned to solar energy in a phased manner, household solarisation initiatives in these areas be expedited and that further potential mini micro hydropower projects be explored.

With regard to youth development and economic empowerment, the chief minister ordered the formulation of comprehensive schemes aimed at equipping young people with modern skills and vocational training, promoting e-commerce and facilitating entrepreneurship and business development opportunities.

The participants also reviewed a proposal to establish three small industrial estates in the merged districts, provide financial assistance to skilled youth and facilitate business operating units.

In order to strengthen environmental sustainability and climate resilience, proposals were considered for the establishment of a climate change authority, revival of the forest development corporation and initiatives aimed at economically empowering women through non timber forest products.

The chief minister ordered the preparation of a comprehensive three-year afforestation plan and the formulation of a dedicated afforestation scheme to increase forest cover across the province.

The meeting reviewed proposals for establishment of fruit and vegetable markets, modern slaughterhouses and model sanitation villages in the merged districts.

Also, additional schemes about real-time surveillance of animal diseases, biogas initiatives, provision of interest-free loans for horticulture promotion and broader livestock development measures, including trout farming, poultry farming and mobile veterinary clinics, came under discussion.

The chief minister ordered early finalisation of the Animal Rights Policy. He also directed all departments to finalise viable projects on priority basis and said the forthcoming development budget would place special emphasis on improving law and order, enhancing public welfare and accelerating socio economic development.

Mr Afridi said that effective implementation of the proposed sectoral initiatives would be essential to achieving those objectives and directed authorities to fulfil their responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2026