PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Friday ordered action against illegal constructions to ensure planned, sustainable, and regulated development across the capital city.

He issued the directives while chairing a meeting of the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA), according to a statement issued from the chief minister’s secretariat.

The statement said that the forum agreed to bring Nasir Bagh Road under the jurisdiction of PDA, with directions to place the matter before the cabinet for final approval.

The chief minister directed that a minimum setback of 20 feet be maintained for buildings along the said road, and that encroachments be removed in such a way that they didn’t cause inconvenience to the public.

Asks PDA to ensure planned, regulated development

The meeting approved the PDA budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, along with multiple agenda items aimed at strengthening urban management and service delivery.

The meeting approved the allocation of additional land and re-planning for the Institute of Management Sciences.

It also approved the discontinuation of proposed recreational projects in Bagh Naran and Shalman Park.

In light of public concerns and judicial directives, it was decided not to allow commercial activity in public parks to safeguard public interest and maintain environmental balance.

The meeting approved the construction of a dedicated access route from Hayatabad to the FC Teaching Hospital in Shahkas to improve accessibility and service delivery.

Additionally, the meeting approved the allocation of land for the establishment of the Counter-Terrorism Department’s regional headquarters to strengthen the province’s security architecture.

The meeting approved a six-year extension in the lease of 16 BTS towers of a private mobile network operator to ensure continuity of telecommunication services.

Furthermore, a one-time relaxation was approved for the restoration of 171 plots previously cancelled due to unauthorised commercial or non-conforming land use, subject to the clearance of outstanding dues and the rectification of violations.

The forum granted approval to the recommendations of a committee on promotions of PDA employees.

The chief minister also directed the establishment of a dedicated grievance redressal committee to allow employees to submit their grievances for transparent and timely resolution.

The meeting also considered the proposal to develop Hayatabad Township as a gated community, including the construction of a boundary wall and installation of a modern surveillance system.

The meeting was informed that the initiative aimed to enhance security in sensitive areas and regulate unnecessary traffic flow within the township.

The chief minister directed that a detailed plan to his effect be submitted for formal approval.

The chief minister also approved the establishment of an enforcement directorate within PDA and endorsed standard operating procedures

for the registration of property dealers in Hayatabad and Regi Model Town to strengthen regulatory oversight.

The meeting also approved re-planning for a petrol pump and a commercial site in Regi Model Town.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2026