Peshawar Division

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has taken a major step to address organised begging across the province by approving the ‘Vagrancy Control and Rehabilitation Bill’ for presentation before the provincial cabinet. The initiative, endorsed by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, aims to dismantle syndicates exploiting vulnerable citizens and to regulate public spaces to prevent the spread of forced or organised begging.
Under the proposed legislation, provincial authorities will be empowered to monitor areas known for begging activities, identify and register vulnerable individuals, and coordinate with law enforcement to break up criminal networks profiting from exploitation. Special focus will be placed on minors, women, and differently-abled persons who are often forced into begging by organised groups.
The bill also outlines the creation of rehabilitation programs, including temporary shelters, educational support, and skill development initiatives, designed to help affected individuals reintegrate into society.
Dedicated funds will be allocated to support children targeted by begging networks. These resources will provide access to education, healthcare, vocational training, and safe shelter, ensuring that minors exploited by criminal groups receive protection and opportunities for long-term development.
Officials have emphasized that the bill seeks to balance law enforcement with social protection, aiming to eliminate organised begging while addressing the underlying social vulnerabilities that lead individuals, especially children, to be exploited. This legislative measure reflects the provincial government’s ongoing commitment to social welfare, public order, and community safety, and marks a significant step in protecting the rights of vulnerable populations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved the construction of a new transmission line in Swat district to facilitate the transmission of low cost hydropower. The decision has been taken to integrate electricity generated from the province’s own resources into the provincial grid in a more effective manner and to ensure a stable supply to both urban and rural areas.
According to official sources, the proposed transmission line will connect various hydropower stations in Swat with the central provincial grid. This is expected to reduce technical bottlenecks in electricity transmission to the city and significantly lower line losses. The project will enable the regular supply of relatively affordable electricity to local industries, residential areas, and commercial centres.
The provincial government stated that the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to promote the effective use of renewable energy resources, ensure sustainable power generation, and support long term economic development in the region. Planning and implementation of the project are being carried out jointly by the provincial energy department and relevant technical institutions.
Officials noted that the expansion of the transmission network in Swat will not only meet growing energy requirements but will also encourage investment in industrial and commercial activities. This, in turn, is expected to create new employment opportunities at the local level and promote more efficient use of land and public facilities.
The provincial government has directed that feasibility studies, route surveys, and environmental assessments related to the project be completed in a timely manner so that construction proceeds in accordance with technical and safety standards. Once completed, the transmission line will fully integrate Swat’s hydropower into the provincial grid, strengthening energy security and providing low cost electricity to thousands of households and businesses.
The provincial administration has reiterated its commitment to the continued use of local resources, improvement of electricity networks in urban and rural areas, and the promotion of sustainable development across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

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.