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.

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.