Efforts underway to finalize KP Urban Policy.

Peshawar -- 'Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is ensuring best possible transit and commercial trade routes to facilitate trade with Afghanistan', this was quoted by Shahab Ali Shah, Additional Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in a high-level consultative session held to discuss the draft Urban Policy for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Once approved this will be the first urban policy by any province across Pakistan. The session was organized by UK's FCDO-supported Sub-National Governance (SNG) Programme in collaboration with KP Planning and Development Department's Urban Policy and Planning Unit (UPPU).

On this occasion, Mr. Shahid Mahmood, Additional Secretary, Planning and Development Department informed that this policy will pave way for inclusive opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities in urban centers, leading towards social and economic uplift while ensuring environmental sustainability.

It was discussed that Mr. Shahab Ali Shah, Additional Chief Secretary, Planning and Development Department is closely following up on the progress towards formulation and implementation of this urban policy. In line with recommendations by SNG programme, ACS has also directed that strong coordination should be maintained with other development partners who are supporting sustainable development goals at a local level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Furthermore, Mr. Shah Mahmood, Secretary Planning and Development Department has advised that Urban Policy will be operationalized through inclusive public investments which will be part of the Annual Development Programme.

During his technical presentation, Dr...