Peshawar, The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has unveiled a major economic initiative, the High Impact Economic Plan, aimed at elevating the merged districts of the province to be on par with other regions in terms of development. This ambitious plan focuses on utilizing natural resources and improving various sectors to boost regional development and stability.

According to Directorate General Information and PRs – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the plan encompasses a wide array of sectors including industry, education, mining, agriculture, energy, livestock, forestry, irrigation, sports, tourism, and infrastructure. The objective is to address the challenges faced by these areas and enhance the economic and social quality of life. The total budget for this project is estimated at 142,614 million rupees, with the provincial government contributing the majority of the funds and a portion coming from donor funds.

The plan includes 96 development projects, both ongoing and new, across the merged districts. This includes 23 road projects, 11 industrial initiatives, 12 agricultural developments, and projects in other key areas such as minerals, tourism, energy, livestock, and environmental conservation. Additionally, there are significant plans for water management and border economy projects.

Key goals of the plan include making 61,525 acres of land irrigable, developing water storage capacity for 41,310 acres, and the construction and maintenance of 629 km of roads over three years, plus 274 km of new roads. The plan also involves integrating 320 farmers into dairy farming, training 650 in modern cattle rearing, and distributing 1,900 high-breed cattle.

Furthermore, the plan aims to provide electricity to 200,000 households through off-grid solar systems and connect 384 primary health centers to the grid. This includes an annual target for solar-based electrification.

Of the development projects, 69 will be financed by the government, 21 by aid agencies, and six in partnership with the private sector. This comprehensive approach signifies a significant step towards improving the living standards and economic prospects of the merged districts, aligning them with the development trajectory of the rest of the province and the country.