CM launches Rs1b upgradation of 34 Peshawar parks

Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Tuesday formally launched the upgradation of 34 existing public parks in the city under the Peshawar Revitalization Plan, saying the project was part of the provincial government’s broader push to make the provincial capital more livable.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony at Shahi Bagh, the chief minister said the park upgrade programme, estimated at Rs1 billion, would cover all 34 public parks simultaneously. Work has been divided into five execution packages covering landscape improvement, recreational facilities, public amenities and better accessibility.
He commended the Peshawar Development Authority, the Local Government Department and other implementing agencies for coordinating the rollout.
Mr Afridi said the government was currently executing development schemes worth about Rs200 billion under the Peshawar Revitalization Plan to improve urban infrastructure, transport and public services.
He announced that the Urban Train Project had been included in the Annual Development Programme and work would begin soon to provide what he called a modern and sustainable mass transit system for residents. He added that the proposed Outer Ring Road had also been reflected in the ADP, with its feasibility study in final stages.
On provincial finances, the chief minister said the government had collected Rs150 billion in revenue in FY 2025-26 against a target of Rs129 billion. For the current year, he said, the target had been set at Rs180 billion with the aim of reaching Rs200 billion.
“These gains have been achieved without imposing new taxes on citizens,” he said, attributing the increase to administrative reforms, better governance and improved efficiency in public spending.
Criticizing the federal government’s economic policies, Mr Afridi said they had hurt growth, investment and employment. He claimed economic performance was stronger and inflation lower during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government, and said farmers, industrialists and youth were now facing serious challenges. He also expressed concern over rising public debt and privatization of national assets, and called for structural reforms. On politics, the chief minister said PTI had pursued all constitutional and legal avenues but had been “denied justice.” He alleged discriminatory treatment toward both PTI and the KP government at the federal level, and said intimidation and arrests would not weaken party workers’ support for Imran Khan.
He urged the youth to play an active role in shaping the country’s future, and called on citizens to gather at Peshawar Toll Plaza on Aug 5.
“This event is not for an individual or a party, but for Pakistan, constitutional governance, democracy and fundamental rights,” he said. “5 August is the semi-final, and we must win it at all costs.” He said the party would announce its next phase of political action on that day, adding there would be “no turning back.”
Mr Afridi reiterated that PTI would continue its struggle through peaceful, constitutional and legal means, and said the future of Pakistan rested with its people.