Development projects put merged areas of KP on road to progress.

PESHAWAR -- For putting an end to the seven decades long negligence, the merged areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (the erstwhile FATA) have witnessed substantial development works under the Federal government's public sector development program (PSDP) to facilitate over five million tribal people.

Expediting pace on infrastructure, digitization, education, health and other socioeconomic projects after successful completion of KP-Fata merger process, the Federal government has approved Khyber Pass Economic Corridor (KPEC) project to accelerate pace of economic development and bolster industrialization in the once hitherto neglected tribal region.

Following abolishment of draconian frontier crimes regulations (FCRs), granting of constitutional rights, extension of local government, police and judicial systems; the government has also approved KPEC to link Peshawar with Torkhum Khyber tribal district.

The construction of 47.5 kilometer four lane expressway would connect Pakistan with Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics (CARs) , making positive economic impact on merged areas. 'KPEC, a three year project for which the Federal Government would provide USD 385.6 million with KP government's share of USD 75 million would be completed by 2025,' Fayaz Ahmad, Director Coordination, National Highway Authority (NHA) KP told reporter.

He said the loan agreement was signed with the World Bank for construction of KPEC, adding the expressway would start from Tarnab Peshawar and will bypass Peshawar City, Cantonment and onwards connect Jamrud, Landi Kotal and Torkhum of Khyber tribal district. It would have 22 bridges and flyovers, 139 culverts and two major interchanges and service areas besides others facilities.

'This PSDP project is currently in the designed preparation stage and hopefully practical work would start on it in February next year,' he said, adding with Torkhum border now open 24/7, traffic volume would further increase between Peshawar and Torkhum.

Following completion of KPEC and construction of additional carriageway of Torkhum- Jalalabad road project costing Rs7344 million, the tribal people and local communities on both sides of the western borders would benefit from roads connecting them to the expressways besides giving impetus to development in merged areas.

The project would make positive impact on commercial infrastructure, medium enterprises including marble and freight sectors and revitalization of industrial estates in merged...