Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has approved a mega development plan for the beautification and uplift of Peshawar, a news source reported. Minister for Finance Taimour Salim Khan Jhagra said that the project will focus on the provision of modern facilities to the city’s residents as well as making improvements to the city’s infrastructure.
Officials of the Rural Development Department and local government said that the locals would be provided with 17 new parks; most of which will be established in Regi Model Town and Hayatabad by the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA). The provincial government and local bodies want to restore the lost grandeur of the city. Roadside plantations will be carried out in the same bid to beautify the city and curb the effects of pollution.
Similarly, small parks will be developed in various areas of Peshawar, as well as a jogging track from Phase III to Phase VII of Hayatabad. An ‘Entertainment City’ will be established at Nisatta near Peshawar Toll Plaza on Motorway. The centre will provide various facilities including restaurants, water sports and play lands, among other commercial activities.
Efforts will be put into reviving the city’s historical importance as the city of archaeology, artisans and tourism to promote tourism. Historical places like Qissa Khwani, Kor Kathria, Ghanta Ghar will be given special attention so that local and international tourism can flourish in the city.
Further, there are plans to turn Peshawar into an Information Technology centre with the help of the private sector. Special development projects to reduce population pressure will be launched on neighbourhood level. Additionally, a cricket academy is also planned. The implementation of this scheme will change the outlook of the entire city.
