PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi laid the foundation stone of an underpass project at PDA Toll Plaza on Ring Road, Hayatabad, marking another milestone under the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s broader urban renewal agenda for the provincial capital.

The two-lane underpass, being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs1.6 billion, is expected to significantly improve connectivity and facilitate easier access to Bara Road, easing traffic congestion and enhancing mobility in one of Peshawar’s busiest corridors.

On the occasion, the chief minister was briefed on the progress of various initiatives being implemented under Peshawar Revitalisation Plan. Development schemes worth Rs21 billion were already launched under the programme.

Substantial progress is also being made on the transport infrastructure component of the plan, with construction activities under way on the underpass on Dallazak Road while the inauguration of Pishtakhara and Jameel Chowk underpasses, as well as Hazar Khwani overpass, will begin soon.

Lays foundation stone of underpass at PDA Toll Plaza

Peshawar Revitalisation Plan includes an extensive programme for the rehabilitation and beautification of 35 roads across the city, with an estimated cost of Rs19 billion. Work on 15 priority roads is scheduled to commence in the first phase of implementation.

Addressing the gathering, the chief minister said that the revitalisation of Peshawar was a key priority of the provincial government. He said that the city historically demonstrated remarkable resilience and generosity, hosting displaced people from Malakand and the erstwhile tribal districts during times of crisis.

He said that the Rs200 billion-programme was finalised through a consultative process involving all relevant stakeholders, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing the city’s longstanding development challenges.

Mr Afridi expressed the government’s resolve to ensure that all projects included in the plan were initiated and completed within the stipulated timelines. He described the plan as a comprehensive framework designed to address both urban and rural challenges.

Emphasising his middle class background, he said he was cognisant of the issues faced by ordinary citizens and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering tangible improvement in public service delivery and quality of life.

He expressed confidence that the upcoming fiscal year would usher in greater peace, development and prosperity for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said that despite sustained propaganda against him since assuming office, he had remained steadfast in his principles and convictions.

The chief minister said that no political space was being given to those, who continued to uphold their stated positions and ideological commitments. Criticising the federal government, he alleged that the country’s leadership lacked a coherent policy direction and had failed to effectively address the nation’s economic challenges.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2026