CM reviews ADP 2026–27 with focus on youth empowerment, energy projects

PESHAWAR
A high-level meeting of the Planning and Development Department, chaired by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, on Tuesday reviewed the proposed Annual Development Programme (ADP) for 2026–27, with a focus on youth empowerment, public welfare and sustainable socio-economic growth.
The meeting discussed proposed schemes across multiple sectors, including excise, local government, climate change, food, housing, home, agriculture, livestock and energy, aligning priorities with public welfare and long-term development objectives.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said the upcoming provincial budget would prioritise youth empowerment and improving the socio-economic conditions of low- and middle-income groups. He emphasised the need to expand employment opportunities and promote inclusive economic growth, directing authorities to prioritise projects with tangible public benefit.
The meeting also reviewed plans to relocate an existing grain warehouse from Peshawar and develop a modern facility, alongside establishing advanced grain storage units at divisional headquarters to improve food security and storage efficiency.
To strengthen law enforcement, proposals included acquisition of land for eight new excise police stations, enhancement of prison security, strengthening of police stations, provision of advanced equipment to the Special Branch and establishment of district-level Counter Terrorism Department structures.
In the energy sector, the meeting discussed setting up mini solar grids in merged districts, rehabilitation of micro hydropower stations in Tirah, and installation of new electricity feeders. The inclusion of the 22MW Patrak Shringle Hydropower Station in the upcoming ADP was also considered.
The chief minister directed that all government offices in merged districts be shifted to solar energy in phases and that household solarisation initiatives be expedited. He also called for exploring additional mini and micro hydropower projects.
On youth development, he directed the formulation of comprehensive schemes to equip young people with modern skills, promote e-commerce and support entrepreneurship. Proposals for establishing three small industrial estates in merged districts and providing financial assistance to skilled youth were also reviewed.
To enhance environmental sustainability, the meeting considered establishing a Climate Change Authority, reviving the Forest Development Corporation and launching initiatives to empower women through non-timber forest products. The chief minister also ordered preparation of a three-year afforestation plan.
In agriculture and livestock, proposals included establishing fruit and vegetable markets, modern slaughterhouses and model sanitation villages in merged districts. Additional initiatives such as disease surveillance systems, biogas projects, interest-free loans for horticulture, trout and poultry farming, and mobile veterinary services were also discussed.
The chief minister directed departments to finalise viable projects on a priority basis, reiterating that the development budget would focus on improving law and order, public welfare and accelerating socio-economic development across the province.