Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
Persistent fluctuations in petroleum product prices have plunged ongoing development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into uncertainty, while also placing considerable strain on the financial resources of government departments.
Officials state that frequent changes in petrol and diesel prices have disrupted development planning, putting the timely completion of several projects at risk. Sources indicate that the surge in fuel prices has exerted immense pressure on allocated petroleum budgets across various departments, raising concerns that some institutions may exhaust their funds prematurely.
This situation is particularly challenging for government departments that rely heavily on transportation and field operations for their routine functions. Meanwhile, development projects worth billions of rupees have either slowed down or been temporarily halted as authorities await revised cost assessments.
Experts note that the rising costs of construction materials and transportation have significantly increased overall project expenditures, creating financial challenges for contractors as well as relevant government bodies.
The absence of a clear policy at the government level has further complicated the situation. Repeated increases and decreases in fuel prices have fueled uncertainty, making it increasingly difficult to issue and award new tenders.
According to officials, accurately estimating the cost of any development project under current conditions has become extremely difficult. Several key projects across the province have been temporarily suspended, while many others are progressing at a slower pace.
Overall, the instability in petroleum prices, coupled with escalating material costs, has severely impacted development activities in the province.

Dera Ismail Khan : ReNews Pakistan
In a major anti encroachment operation, the district administration on Thursday recovered 150 kanals of state land belonging to the Communication and Works (C&W) Department in Mauza Dhap Chabak.
Acting on directives of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, the district administration launched the operation against land grabbers and successfully retrieved approximately 150 kanals of illegally occupied state land, estimated to be worth around Rs45 million.
Assistant Commissioner (Revenue) Iftikhar Ahmad led the operation in Tehsil Dera Ismail Khan, supported by the Tehsildar, revenue staff, and officials of the C&W Department.
During the action, the authorities also confiscated nearly 120 maunds of wheat found on the occupied land and took it into government custody.
Officials described the operation as a significant step toward curbing illegal land occupation in the district and reiterated that anti encroachment drives would continue without discrimination to protect public property.

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.