Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has approved new Walled City and Horticulture authorities under a wide Peshawar revitalisation plan focused on cleaner streets, better roads, green spaces and heritage revival.
New Authorities at the Centre of Peshawar’s Revitalisation
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has taken a major step towards overhauling Peshawar by approving the establishment of the Walled City Authority and the Horticulture Authority. The decision was made during a meeting on the Peshawar revitalisation plan chaired by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
The new authorities will be responsible for protecting the city’s historic core, improving green spaces and coordinating projects that directly affect the look and feel of Peshawar. By creating dedicated bodies, the government aims to move away from piecemeal fixes and implement a coordinated plan for the provincial capital.
Afridi directed all relevant departments to begin preparatory work for setting up both authorities, stressing that proper planning, clear timelines and sustainable solutions must guide every phase of the programme.
Focus on Basic Services and Quality of Life
During the meeting, the chief minister underlined that Peshawar is the face of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and that its basic services must reflect this status. He said sectors that directly shape citizens’ daily lives will receive top priority in the revitalisation plan.
These include solid waste management, sewerage, drainage, water supply and urban forestry. Improved garbage collection, better storm-water drains and more reliable water supply are expected to reduce flooding, disease risks and environmental damage in many neighbourhoods.
Afridi assured participants that funds for Peshawar’s uplift will be provided on a priority basis, adding that the goal is to deliver visible improvements that residents can see and feel in their own streets and localities.
Upgrading Roads, Parks and Public Facilities
Officials briefed the meeting that 34 major arterial roads, covering around 165 kilometres, will be upgraded under the plan. The work will include improved road surfacing, modern drainage systems, safer pedestrian facilities, better lighting, landscaping and corridor-wide beautification.
Beyond roads, a high-tech children’s park is planned in Hayatabad, while existing parks across the city will be upgraded. A theme park along the Kabul River is also part of the project, aimed at providing new recreational spaces for families and visitors.
The plan further includes new slaughterhouses, upgraded vegetable markets and modernised bus terminals. These projects are intended to improve hygiene standards, streamline daily trade and give transport hubs a more orderly, passenger-friendly environment.
Tackling Traffic, Parking and Visual Clutter
To address growing traffic congestion, the revitalisation plan calls for the construction of vertical parking facilities, new underpasses and flyovers. These interventions are expected to ease bottlenecks on busy routes and make it easier for motorists to find parking without blocking main roads.
Power lines from Pir Zakori Flyover to Suri Pul and from Aman Chowk to Karhano will be shifted underground. This move should not only improve safety and reliability but also clean up the city’s skyline by removing overhead wires from key corridors.
Major connectivity gaps will also be addressed through new road links from Hayatabad Industrial Estate to the Northern Bypass and from Nasir Bagh Road to Regi Model Town. A cloverleaf interchange at Pir Zakori intersection is planned to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents at one of the city’s key junctions.
Cleaning the City and Preserving Its Heritage
Sanitation and heritage protection form another pillar of the revitalisation drive. The plan includes the procurement of electric road cleaners, the establishment of a sewerage treatment plant and the restoration of Shahi Khatha to improve water management and cleanliness.
Key heritage sites such as Gor Khatri, Sethi House and Bibi Jan Shrine will be restored to their original condition. A state-of-the-art food street will be developed at Chowk Yadgar, combining cultural preservation with new dining and tourism options.
The chief minister said strict timelines will be enforced to ensure timely completion and visible progress on all projects. He stressed that the ultimate aim is to transform Peshawar into a modern city with clean streets, smooth mobility and attractive public spaces, while still protecting the cultural identity that makes it unique.
