Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The federal government has formally informed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government that it is not in a position to contribute to the approximately Rs 10 billion required for the rehabilitation and resettlement of families displaced from the Tirah Valley, citing acute fiscal pressure and limited budgetary space.
According to provincial officials, this position emerged during recent consultations between federal and provincial financial authorities. The issue came into focus following a meeting between Federal Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and Adviser to the Chief Minister on Finance Muzammil Aslam, where the province sought federal participation in covering rehabilitation expenditures already incurred in Tirah Valley and other affected areas of Khyber district.
The provincial government maintained that the costs arising from displacement and subsequent resettlement fall within the federal sphere of responsibility. Officials stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has already spent close to Rs 10 billion on assistance for displaced families, including temporary relief measures housing support and the restoration of basic services. Federal authorities however declined to commit additional funds due to prevailing fiscal constraints.
The rehabilitation programme includes reconstruction of damaged homes acquisition of land for permanent resettlement and the provision of essential urban infrastructure such as water electricity drainage access roads and municipal services in newly developed settlements. The objective is to integrate displaced families from Tirah into organised residential communities and reduce long term reliance on temporary arrangements.
Provincial administrators have warned that delays in funding could slow residential reconstruction and land development projects in Tirah and adjoining areas. Such delays they cautioned may increase pressure on nearby cities and municipal systems. In districts already experiencing population growth prolonged displacement could strain public services contribute to informal housing and complicate land management structures.
Provincial representatives emphasised that predictable federal financial transfers are essential to ensure an effective and sustainable rehabilitation process in Tirah Valley and Khyber district. Federal officials on the other hand indicated that within existing fiscal limits certain components of the programme could be considered for phased implementation or alternative financing arrangements.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) has declared six 11 kV feeders as loadshedding free, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply throughout the day to several urban and peri urban areas of Peshawar. The move is being viewed as a significant step towards improving the reliability of basic civic infrastructure and power distribution services in the region.
According to PESCO, the feeders placed on continuous supply include Hashtnagri, Saeedabad, Islam Abad, Aladand, Express Kotigram and City Khwaza Khela. These feeders serve densely populated residential neighbourhoods as well as commercial and mixed use areas, where consistent electricity supply is considered essential for daily life and economic activity.
PESCO Chief Executive Akhtar Hamid Khan said the development was made possible through improved consumer cooperation, particularly in preventing electricity theft and ensuring timely payment of bills. He stated that these measures led to a noticeable reduction in technical and commercial losses on the selected feeders.
He added that sustained enforcement actions against power theft played a key role in stabilising the system, allowing the utility to fully eliminate loadshedding on these feeders and maintain uninterrupted power distribution.
Urban planning experts note that reliable electricity supply contributes to improved land productivity, supports property values and enables smoother business operations, especially in built up urban areas where power shortages often disrupt trade and residential living.
PESCO officials acknowledged the support of the district administration, police and the Federal Investigation Agency in enforcement efforts. They further indicated that similar measures may be extended to additional feeders in the future as part of a broader strategy to strengthen long term urban service delivery and infrastructure stability.
[[IMG:Images/mid-re-national-30-1-2026.jpeg]] CEO PESCO, Mr. Akhtar Hamid Khan

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has formally divided Swat District into two separate administrative districts, issuing an official notification to implement the change immediately. This decision follows approval at the provincial cabinet meeting held on 19 December 2025. Under the reorganisation, the existing Swat District has been split into District Bar Swat and a redefined District Swat. Bar Swat District will include the tehsils of Matta, Bahrain, and Khwazakhela, with its district headquarters established in Matta. Meanwhile, the newly defined Swat District will comprise the tehsils of Babozai, Kabal, Charbagh, and Barikot, with Gulkada in Babuzai Tehsil designated as its headquarters. Officials state that the division is intended to bring administrative services closer to residents, enhance the delivery of public services, and allow for more efficient planning and implementation of development projects. With this administrative change, the total number of districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has increased to 40. Authorities have distributed copies of the notification to relevant provincial and federal departments to ensure the smooth implementation of the new district structures by all government offices, including revenue, police, judicial, and election bodies.