Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has unveiled an ambitious development package worth Rs200 billion aimed at accelerating growth and infrastructure development in the Hazara Division. This significant announcement was made during a high-level meeting convened at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, where parliamentarians representing the Hazara region gathered to discuss the upcoming Annual Development Programme (ADP) in detail.
During the session, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of allocating Rs50 billion from the total package specifically for tourism-related projects. This move reflects the provincial government’s commitment to harnessing Hazara’s vast potential as a tourist destination, which could generate employment opportunities and boost the local economy. The region’s scenic landscapes and historical sites have long been recognized, but this focused investment aims to transform tourism infrastructure and services substantially.
Another key issue raised by the parliamentarians was the urgent need to dualize the Haripur–Mansehra GT Road, a vital artery under the National Highway Authority’s jurisdiction. The Chief Minister assured the attendees that the provincial government would contribute financially to support the road’s expansion, aiming to enhance travel safety and reduce congestion for commuters. This project is expected to facilitate smoother connectivity within the division and improve access to markets and services.
In addition to infrastructure and tourism, Sohail Afridi announced a major administrative upgrade by issuing a notification to elevate Allai to the status of a separate district. This decision is expected to bring more focused governance and development attention to the area, addressing long-standing demands from local communities. The Chief Minister highlighted that the upcoming fiscal year’s development programme would differ from previous years by prioritizing large-scale projects with a direct impact on public welfare, alongside ensuring the timely completion of ongoing schemes.
To ensure transparency and efficiency, the provincial government will prepare PC-1 documents for all proposed development projects before finalizing the ADP. Special attention will be given to underdeveloped districts within the province to promote balanced regional growth. The meeting also included the participation of the Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and various members of both the National and Provincial Assemblies from Hazara, reflecting a collaborative approach towards the region’s development agenda.
This comprehensive development package marks a pivotal step in addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by Hazara Division. By focusing on infrastructure, tourism, and administrative reforms, the provincial government aims to create sustainable growth opportunities and improve the quality of life for residents across the division.
