Mansehra: [ReNews Pakistan]
Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi, on Wednesday inaugurated and performed groundbreaking ceremonies for 12 major development projects worth more than Rs 25 billion during a visit to Mansehra district, marking one of the province’s largest development initiatives for the region.
The comprehensive package is aimed at improving essential public services and accelerating socio-economic development in Mansehra, with a strong focus on clean drinking water, healthcare, education, sports facilities, and civic infrastructure.
Among the flagship initiatives announced was the Rs 18.5 billion Mansehra Gravity Flow Water Supply Scheme, expected to significantly improve access to clean drinking water for thousands of residents. Other major projects included the Rs 2 billion Institute of Allied Health Sciences, the Rs 1.8 billion Achhar Nala Dam, and the Rs1 billion upgradation project for Thakra Stadium.
The development package also included the upgradation of Basic Health Unit (BHU) Sandesar, establishment of a Rescue Station at Pano Dheri, inauguration of a Degree College for Boys, and the foundation stone laying ceremony for a modern Cath Lab facility aimed at strengthening healthcare services in the district.
In addition, land allocation for a public graveyard, the establishment of Kotkay Park, improvements to the Mansehra Water Supply Scheme, and the creation of Tehsil Tanawal were also announced as part of the broader development agenda.
Addressing a ceremony in Mansehra, the Chief Minister described the projects as a “gift for the people” and said they would bring visible improvements to daily life while integrating underdeveloped areas into the mainstream of progress.
He reiterated that balanced and inclusive development across all districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained the provincial government’s top priority, adding that public resources were being utilized transparently and fairly to ensure maximum public benefit.
Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi said the government was committed to reforms in key sectors including health, education, drinking water, and sports, noting that development initiatives were being extended to remote and neglected areas of the province.
He further assured that all projects would be completed in line with merit, transparency, and quality standards to ensure long-term benefits for local communities.

Mansehra | ReNews Pakistan
The National Highway Authority (NHA) has initiated a large scale operation to remove snow and glaciers from the Mansehra/Naran/Jalkhad (MNJ) Road, signaling the imminent reopening of Naran to tourists after nearly six months of seasonal closure.
Heavy machinery has been deployed at key points along the route to clear accumulated snow and cut through glaciers that blocked access following intense snowfall in November last year. The MNJ Road, a critical link connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Gilgit/Baltistan via the scenic Kaghan Valley, was closed at the onset of winter due to harsh weather conditions.
According to Hussain Deen, Chairman of the Kaghan Hoteliers Association, traffic between Naran and other parts of the province is expected to resume within the next few days. However, he noted that full restoration of the entire route could take additional time.
Officials overseeing the operation confirmed that while significant progress has been made, complete reopening of the road may take another four to five weeks, depending on weather conditions and the remaining accumulation of snow.
Meanwhile, local stakeholders have begun returning to Naran to prepare for the upcoming tourist season. Access to major attractions, including Lake Saiful Muluk and surrounding areas, remains restricted due to heavy snow and the risk of landslides.
Residents pointed out that snowfall in upper Kaghan Valley was comparatively lower this year, enabling earlier clearance work up to Naran and nearby areas such as Battakundi.
Security arrangements are also being gradually restored. Police posts in Basal, Plundrain, Soach, Lake Road, Battakundi, and Jalkhad will resume operations in phases as the road is cleared. The police station currently operating in lower Kaghan is expected to shift back to Naran to ensure tourist safety and manage traffic effectively.
Authorities believe that the gradual reopening of the MNJ Road will restore connectivity between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, marking the beginning of the summer tourism season in the Kaghan Valley.