PESHAWAR: In a move aimed at easing long-standing difficulties faced by residents during funeral arrangements, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved funds worth Rs175 million for the purchase of five new, modern funeral vehicles for the provincial capital.

A statement issued here said that the initiative has been taken on the directives of the KP local government and rural development minister, Meena Khan Afridi, who sought to address the growing challenges arising from Peshawar’s expanding population and outdated municipal resources.

Following the release of funds, the Capital Metropolitan has issued a formal advertisement to initiate the procurement process.

It said that the development was expected to resolve a persistent issue that has troubled citizens for years. With a significant increase in population, the existing fleet of funeral vehicles had become insufficient to meet the demand.

Besides, most of the vehicles currently in use were nearly 50 years old and have outlived their operational lifespan, frequently developing mechanical faults.

As a result, many residents were unable to access the municipal service and had to rely on private transport for shifting the deceased to graveyards, often at considerable financial cost.

The deputy director infrastructure and services eastern zone, Eisar Khan, said that the city’s unique geography and congested inner-city localities had made it increasingly difficult for larger, outdated vehicles to operate effectively.

He said that such vehicles often got stuck in narrow streets or were unable to reach densely populated neighborhoods altogether.

Taking notice of the issue, Meena Khan Afridi pushed for a practical solution, leading to the approval of the project. The new vehicles, officials said, would be specifically designed to suit Peshawar’s road network and narrow streets, ensuring improved access across all areas of the city.

The Rs175 million PC-I for the project has already received clearance from all relevant forums including the finance department.

Authorities expect the procurement and specialised fabrication of the vehicles to begin soon. Officials expressed confidence that the initiative would not only improve service delivery but also reduce citizens’ dependence on private transporters, curbing exploitation and providing timely relief to bereaved families.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2026