Peshawar Division

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a comprehensive development package worth Rs50 billion for District Mardan, marking a major push to upgrade infrastructure and urban facilities in the region.
According to official details, Rs25 billion has been specifically allocated to the Communication and Works sector, focusing on large-scale infrastructure projects. The initiative includes the introduction of modern traffic management systems, advanced engineering solutions, and improved urban planning within Mardan city.
A central feature of the package is the construction and rehabilitation of a district-wide circular road, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and enhancing connectivity. Key road projects include the dualization of the Jawad Chowk to Baghdad Chowk road and the expansion of the Shahbaz Garhi to Taro Jabba Road into a dual carriageway.
The plan also includes the construction of the Katlang Bypass and Hothi Bridge to facilitate smoother and safer traffic flow. In addition, authorities will develop a link road connecting the Jamal Garhi archaeological site with the Swat Motorway Interchange to improve access to important locations.
Further projects involve the construction of the Sang-e-Kashmir to Fazal Abad Ghani Road and the expansion of road networks linking Sang-e-Dhan with Parhoti, Pir Sado, Mian Isa, and Jalalah Bazaar. Rehabilitation work on Bani Pass and the Lund Khwar to Katlang Road is also part of the package.
Officials stated that the development initiatives reflect the provincial government’s commitment to modernizing transport infrastructure, which is expected to enhance economic activity and provide better travel facilities for residents across Mardan.

Peshawar: [ReNews Pakistan]
The plea bargain request of the main accused, Muhammad Ayub, in the Kohistan mega financial scandal has been approved. The Director General of NAB Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has forwarded the request to the Chairman NAB for final approval.
According to NAB sources, the accused has offered a 4 kanal 12 marla commercial property located in Rawalpindi under the plea bargain, with an estimated value of around Rs160 million. The request was filed under Section 25(b) of the NAB Ordinance 1999.
Details reveal that Muhammad Ayub was arrested on charges of embezzling billions of rupees in the Kohistan financial scandal. A day earlier, the accused submitted his plea bargain application to the accountability court through the Superintendent of Central Jail Peshawar. The court subsequently forwarded the application to DG NAB Peshawar for further proceedings.
Later, the DG NAB KP reviewed the request and sent it to the Chairman NAB for approval. The final decision will be made after the Chairman NAB grants formal approval.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
Following federal approval, practical steps have been initiated to restore train services in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, marking an important development toward reviving railway connectivity in the province.
According to sources, Pakistan Railways has formally begun progress on the restoration project and has also informed the provincial government. The initiative aims to reconnect key areas with the railway network and improve the overall transport system.
In the first phase, work will be carried out on the rehabilitation of a 62 kilometer railway track between Peshawar, Nowshera, and Jehangira, which is considered a central component of the proposed network.
The second phase includes the restoration of a 65-kilometer track between Nowshera, Mardan, and Dargai. Additionally, a 27 kilometer railway line between Mardan and Charsadda, and an 18-kilometer line from Peshawar to Jamrud are also part of the project.
Sources further state that in later stages, a 60 kilometer railway section from Kohat to Jand will also be upgraded. Meanwhile, the process of appointing technical experts to represent the Pakistan Railways working group is underway.
Officials say that the restoration of railway services will provide passengers with affordable, safe, and efficient travel facilities, while also boosting commercial activities and increasing the revenue of Pakistan Railways. They added that legal requirements are being fulfilled prior to restoration, and operations to remove encroachments in relevant areas have also begun to ensure the smooth completion of the project.