Staff Report
PESHAWAR: A decision has been made to launch the fifth phase of the Drug-Free Peshawar campaign with the objective of completely freeing the provincial capital from drug addicts.
In this regard, the Finance Department has been directed to release the remaining funds allocated for the campaign to the Social Welfare Department, which has been instructed to devise a comprehensive mechanism for the sustainable rehabilitation of drug addicts and for maintaining a drug-free environment in the city.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Syed Shahab Ali Shah. The meeting was attended by the Chief Economist, Secretary Social Welfare, Secretary Finance, Commissioner Peshawar Division Riaz Khan Mehsud, and other senior officials.
During the meeting, Commissioner Peshawar Division Riaz Khan Mehsud briefed participants on the successful treatment of 4,700 drug addicts during the four completed phases of the Drug-Free Peshawar campaign. He also provided updates on ongoing projects under the Peshawar Uplift Program Phase II, including:
•Construction of the Hayatabad jogging and cycling track
•Renovation of the historic Agriculture Institute and restoration of its heritage status
•Upgrading of the Treasury Department’s Guard House
•Renovation of Qissa Khwani Bazaar and restoration of its traditional character
•Repair and improvement of Zoo Road
•Tree plantation drives along University Road, D-Tour Road, Ring Road, and other key locations
•Beautification of intersections, feature walls, and monuments
•Renovation of the University of Peshawar and historic Government Hasnain Sharif Higher Secondary School No. 1, restoring both to their original architectural character
The Chief Secretary emphasized that ridding Peshawar of drug addiction remains a top provincial priority. He instructed the Social Welfare Department to accelerate planning for the campaign’s fifth phase and to take concrete steps for rehabilitation and social reintegration.
He further directed the Finance Department to promptly release the required funds to ensure the campaign’s smooth continuation.
Under the Peshawar Uplift Program Phase II, the Chief Secretary also issued orders for the renovation of important government and heritage buildings and the beautification of city flyovers through murals and artistic paintings. He instructed the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) to work with the Project Director of the Peshawar Uplift Program to improve the facilities and landscaping at Tatara Park, Hayatabad.
The Chief Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing Peshawar as a clean, vibrant, and livable city, combining social reform with urban renewal and heritage preservation.
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