The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) district leadership in Peshawar has voiced concerns over the city’s lack of development, signaling growing dissatisfaction within party ranks regarding the provincial government’s performance.
During a recent meeting, PTI Peshawar President Irfan Saleem, former deputy speaker Mahmood Jan, MNA Shandana Gulzar, and other party members discussed pressing civic issues affecting the provincial capital.
A communiqué issued after the meeting highlighted persistent infrastructure and sanitation failures in Peshawar, despite PTI being in power for a third consecutive term. The statement noted that several constituencies remained neglected in terms of development, while the city’s deteriorating sewerage system led to severe flooding during rainfall.
Concerns were also raised over the inefficiency of Water and Sanitation Services Peshawar (WSSP), which has resulted in poor sanitation, a lack of clean drinking water, and inadequate street lighting. Additionally, the communiqué emphasized the need for economic opportunities in Peshawar, pointing out the decline of the real estate sector and reduced business activity.
Another key issue was the reported diversion of Peshawar’s development funds to other districts. The communiqué criticized the failure to implement the long-delayed Safe City Project, initially proposed in 2009, and expressed frustration over delays in the construction of Indus Hospital due to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Warning of possible protests, party members stressed that immediate action was needed to address these longstanding concerns.
In response, Arbab Asim, the focal person for Peshawar Mega Projects, assured that development efforts were underway across the city and province. He stated that recommendations from the meeting would be reviewed and implemented where feasible.
Meanwhile, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif defended the government’s development strategy, emphasizing that the chief minister was committed to equitable progress across the province. He assured that all concerns raised would be taken into account and addressed accordingly.
