KP Approves Walled City and Horticulture Authorities

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government approved the establishment of the Walled City Authority and the Horticulture Authority, as part of a broader plan to revamp Peshawar.

According to an official statement, the decision was taken during a meeting held to review the Peshawar revitalization plan. The meeting was chaired by the Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who directed the relevant departments to begin preparatory work for setting up both authorities.

The chief minister stressed the importance of proper planning, clearly defined timelines, and sustainable solutions. He said priority must be given to sectors that directly affect citizens’ quality of life, including solid waste management, sewerage, drainage, water supply, and urban forestry.

Afridi said that Peshawar was the face of the province and assured that all possible efforts would be made to improve its appearance. He added that funds for the city’s uplift would be provided on a priority basis.

Officials briefed the meeting that 34 major arterial roads, covering around 165 kilometres, would be upgraded. The work will include improved road surfacing, drainage systems, pedestrian facilities, lighting, landscaping and corridor-wide beautification.

The plan also includes the establishment of a high-tech children’s park in Hayatabad, the construction of new slaughterhouses, the development of vegetable markets, and the upgradation of bus terminals.

To address traffic congestion, vertical parking facilities, new underpasses, and flyovers will be constructed. Power lines from Pir Zakori Flyover to Suri Pul and from Aman Chowk to Karhano will be shifted underground.

Moreover, the existing parks would be upgraded, and a theme park would be developed along the Kabul River.

Construction of missing road links from Hayatabad Industrial Estate to Northern Bypass and from Nasir Bagh Road to Regi Model Town, along with a cloverleaf interchange at Pir Zakori intersection, is also part of the plan.

To improve sanitation, the government will secure electric road cleaners, establish a sewerage treatment plant, and restore Shahi Khatha. Key heritage sites, including Gor Khatri, Sethi House, and Bibi Jan Shrine, will be restored to their original condition. A state-of-the-art food street will also be set up at Chowk Yadgar.

The chief minister directed that strict timelines must be enforced to ensure the timely completion and visible progress of all projects. He said the aim was to transform Peshawar into a modern city while preserving its cultural identity.