Provincial govt continues constitutional struggle to secure rights of KP: CM

Peshawar
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi has performed the groundbreaking of two major infrastructure projects, Warsak Road (Ring Road Phase-II) Flyover and Palosi Flyover, under the Rs. 200 billion Peshawar Revitalization Plan, marking another significant milestone in the provincial government’s comprehensive urban transformation agenda for the provincial capital.
The approximately 800-metre-long Warsak Road Flyover will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.2 billion. It is the largest flyover project under the Peshawar Revitalization Plan and is scheduled for completion within 180 days.
The Palosi Flyover, with an estimated cost of Rs. 2.6 billion, is expected to substantially ease traffic congestion in surrounding localities while improving the safety, efficiency, and overall flow of urban mobility. During the project briefing, officials informed the Chief Minister that both the Warsak Road and Palosi flyovers constitute critical components of Ring Road Phase-II and will significantly enhance the city’s transport infrastructure. Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony as Chief Guest, Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi said that critics frequently question the development record of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that the strongest answer to such criticism is the confidence repeatedly reposed in the party by the people through a third consecutive electoral mandate.
He stated that development activities are currently underway across the province, with the Peshawar Revitalization Plan representing one of the government’s flagship urban development initiatives. Reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to the transformation of the provincial capital, he observed that Peshawar is not only the administrative capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but also the face of the entire province.
He added that if required, the government would commit an additional Rs. 200 billion after completion of the current phase to sustain the city’s development and modernization. The Chief Minister paid tribute to the immense sacrifices rendered by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the fight against terrorism, noting that the province had endured years of violence before peace was restored through the sacrifices of thousands of citizens and security personnel.
He regretted that flawed policy decisions by the federal leadership had contributed to the resurgence of terrorism, the consequences of which continue to be borne by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the country at large. He further remarked that the province had repeatedly become the testing ground for decisions made behind closed doors, adding that such an approach was no longer acceptable. He emphasized that the democratic will of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must be respected in all matters affecting the province.
Expressing optimism for the coming fiscal year, the Chief Minister said it would be a year of peace, development, and prosperity for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Responding to criticism of the provincial government’s protest politics, he maintained that peaceful protest is a constitutional and democratic right when legitimate constitutional entitlements are denied. He stated that all constitutional and legal avenues had been exhausted in seeking a meeting with Imran Khan but of no avail.
He further remarked that the use of force against peaceful demonstrators was itself contrary to the rule of law and the constitution. The Chief Minister also said that, despite political pressure and fascist tactics, opponents had failed to diminish the public support enjoyed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Referring to the province’s energy sector, he said that prolonged electricity load-shedding continues to cause hardship for citizens and stated that the federal government is treating Khyber Pakhtunkhwa unfairly in the distribution of both electricity and natural gas.
He noted that although the province produces more electricity and gas than its own requirements, its people continue to face shortages. He reiterated that the provincial government would continue its constitutional and legal struggle to secure the rights of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. On the occasion, Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi also announced the construction of a public funeral facility (Janazah Gah) and the rehabilitation of the Palosi Bazaar Main Road in response to longstanding demands of the local community.