Peshawar Division

Peshawar: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Pakistan Housing Authority Foundation (PHAF), in partnership with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has formally moved its flagship housing project, PHAF Residencia Peshawar, into the implementation phase, with major construction and development activities now underway.
According to project details, nearly 885 housing units are currently under construction, while work on the project’s main boulevard is also progressing. The police station planned within the project area is nearing completion, with officials reporting that around 80 percent of construction work has already been completed.
A major infrastructure component linked to the project is the proposed 10 kilometre dual carriageway from Kohat Road along the Zangali Canal to the project site. Officials say the road corridor is vital for improving connectivity, supporting future urban expansion, and ensuring smooth access to the housing scheme. However, the execution of the carriageway has faced delays despite approval and the award of contract nearly three years ago.
The PHAF Residencia Peshawar project was originally initiated in 2019, but progress was slowed due to land related issues. These matters were later resolved through coordination between PHAF and the provincial authorities. A consensus with local stakeholders in February 2023 helped pave the way for land availability and the resumption of development work. Following this, planning, surveys, and contract awards were completed.
Once fully developed, the project is expected to include approximately 7,786 housing units and 5,632 apartments, along with a commercial zone aimed at attracting investment and supporting economic activity in the region.
Managing Director and CEO of PHAF, Muhammad Shahid Hussain, said the project is designed to promote planned urban growth and meet the increasing housing demand in Peshawar. He added that preparations are also underway for the project’s second phase, which is expected to include the construction of an additional 800 housing units. Work on the next phase is likely to begin by September 2026.
He further stated that the long-term value of PHAF Residencia Peshawar could be strengthened by planned infrastructure developments in the region, including the proposed new airport in Peshawar, which may improve accessibility and enhance the urban importance of the area.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
Authorities have installed panic buttons at 68 key locations across Peshawar under the Safe City Project, marking an important step toward improving emergency response and strengthening public safety in the provincial capital.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, the newly installed panic buttons are equipped with audio and video communication features and are directly linked to the Safe City headquarters. Citizens can use these devices to contact law enforcement authorities immediately in case of an emergency.
Officials said that once a panic button is activated, the system will alert the monitoring centre, allowing police teams to respond without delay. The feature is designed to reduce response time and provide citizens with a direct communication link to emergency services. The initiative is aimed at enhancing safety arrangements in busy public places, especially for students, women, and other vulnerable segments of society. The system would also improve coordination between the public and law enforcement agencies during emergency situations.
The panic button network is part of a wider effort to modernise policing infrastructure in Peshawar through the Safe City Project. The devices have been placed at strategic locations and integrated with a central monitoring system to ensure real-time communication between citizens and police.
Authorities said the system will help provide quicker assistance in emergency situations and support more effective monitoring of public spaces. They added that similar facilities are also planned for other cities in the future, although no specific timeline or operational details have been shared so far.
The initiative reflects the provincial police’s ongoing efforts to adopt technology based solutions for public safety, improve service delivery, and make emergency assistance more accessible to citizens.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has unveiled plans to strengthen the province’s media sector through the establishment of dedicated media colonies, the upgradation of press clubs, and the introduction of an interest free loan scheme for journalists.
The initiative was discussed during a high level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, where officials reviewed the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the fiscal year 2026–27. The meeting focused on a range of development priorities, with special emphasis on empowering media professionals and promoting self employment opportunities within the sector.
According to officials, the proposed loan scheme aims to provide interest-free financial assistance to young journalists, enabling them to set up their own media production and broadcasting platforms. Authorities have been directed to develop a comprehensive and structured framework to ensure transparent and effective implementation of the initiative.
Speaking during the meeting, the chief minister stressed the importance of financial independence for journalists, noting that access to resources would allow them to perform their professional duties with greater autonomy and confidence. He highlighted that the scheme would not only support individual journalists but also contribute to the overall growth and diversification of the media landscape in the province.
“Young journalists must be given the tools and opportunities to become self-reliant and establish their own ventures,” Afridi said, underlining the government’s commitment to fostering a more sustainable and independent media ecosystem.
In addition to the loan programme, the government is also planning to establish media colonies to provide housing and community facilities for journalists. These colonies are expected to improve living standards and create a more supportive environment for media workers.
Furthermore, the chief minister directed officials to prepare detailed proposals for upgrading press clubs, particularly in the merged districts. The move is aimed at enhancing working conditions, providing modern facilities, and strengthening professional infrastructure for journalists operating in these areas.
The meeting also reviewed development proposals across multiple sectors, including Information and Public Relations, Information Technology, Science and Technology, Law, Mines and Minerals, and Labour. Broader discussions were held on employment generation, institutional reforms, and strategies to accelerate provincial development.
The planned initiatives signal the government’s intent to prioritize the welfare of journalists while leveraging the media sector as a driver of economic opportunity and institutional progress in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.