The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has allocated Rs10 billion for the development and rehabilitation of Abbottabad, Provincial Minister for Energy Nazir Ahmed Abbasi announced during a visit to the Abbottabad Press Club.
According to the minister, the funding will be shared equally among the district’s four provincial assembly constituencies and will be used for drainage schemes, electricity infrastructure upgrades, beautification projects, and other urban development initiatives aimed at improving public services.
Development Projects to Address Civic Issues
Speaking to journalists, Abbasi said the allocation forms part of the provincial government’s efforts to improve urban infrastructure while addressing long-standing civic concerns in Abbottabad.
He added that issues raised under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa City Improvement Project would also be considered, with the government seeking to resolve problems affecting residents through ongoing development initiatives.
Government Reviews Urban Planning and Rural Development
The minister said the provincial government is committed to balanced development across both urban and rural areas to help reduce migration from villages to cities.
He noted that billions of rupees have been allocated in the provincial budget for improving basic facilities in rural communities alongside investments in urban infrastructure.
Abbasi acknowledged that Abbottabad has experienced increasing pressure on its civic infrastructure due to population growth and said better planning is needed to restore the city’s condition.
Media Freedom and Press Club Support
During his address, the minister also said the provincial government supports media freedom and confirmed that the chief minister had directed a review of recently enacted media-related legislation.
He congratulated the newly elected office-bearers of the Abbottabad Press Club and assured them that the provincial government would work to address issues faced by the organization.
The event was attended by Abbottabad Press Club President Sardar Naveed Alam, Abbottabad Union of Journalists President Atif Qayyum, former district and press club officials, journalists, and other local representatives.
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