By Zubair
Lahore
PESHAWAR — In a decisive federal intervention aimed at stabilizing governance and accelerating socioeconomic development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has unveiled a massive Rs160 billion special development package for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The high-profile announcement was made on Wednesday during the premier's maiden official visit to Peshawar following the recent administrative restructuring in the province.
Chairing a joint session of the Federal Apex Committee and the Area Representative Development Council (ARDC) at Governor House Peshawar alongside Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, provincial leadership, and senior security officials, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the federation's unwavering commitment to uplifting the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and eradicating cross-border terrorism.
Strategic Resource Allocation: 70% Dedicated to Merged Tribal Districts
Under the newly approved funding framework, 70 percent of the Rs160 billion package (approximately Rs112 billion) has been specifically earmarked for infrastructure, healthcare, clean water, and civic uplift in the merged tribal districts (formerly FATA). The remaining 30 percent (Rs48 billion) will fund critical development interventions across settled districts throughout the province.
The Prime Minister instructed federal ministries to immediately eliminate administrative bottlenecks that have stalled development schemes in the tribal belt over recent years. Special monitoring teams from the Prime Minister's Inspection Commission will oversee project execution in coordination with regional authorities to guarantee transparent, timely delivery and strict fiscal discipline.
Modernisation of KP Police, Counter-Terrorism Department, and Safe City
Addressing pressing internal security requirements, Prime Minister Shehbaz announced substantial funding dedicated to upgrading the operational capabilities of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD). The federal initiative will provide state-of-the-art night-vision equipment, thermal imaging sights, armored personnel carriers (APCs), and advanced electronic counter-drone systems.
Furthermore, the federal government will provide immediate capital injection to complete the long-delayed Peshawar Safe City project, expanding real-time artificial intelligence surveillance and automated license-plate tracking across urban corridors. The Prime Minister paid glowing tribute to the police and armed forces personnel who have laid down their lives protecting regional peace, assuring that martyr benefit packages will be disbursed without delay.
Youth Education, Daanish Schools, and Technical Institutes
On the educational front, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of cutting-edge Daanish Schools across remote and underserved districts, including Bajaur, Lakki Marwat, and Chitral. These residential institutions will provide fully funded, world-class English-medium education, boarding, and digital skills training to talented students from low-income families.
Additionally, a modern vocational and technical training institute will be constructed in Dera Ismail Khan to equip youth with accredited certifications in artificial intelligence, software programming, precision agriculture, and renewable energy technologies. The premier reiterated that sustainable peace in the northwest can only be secured by empowering the youth through education and economic opportunity.
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