The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided to formally initiate Swat Motorway Phase II as part of broader efforts to boost development in the Malakand division.
The decision came during a meeting of regional parliamentarians at the Chief Minister’s House on Thursday, where ongoing mega development projects and proposals for the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2026–27 were reviewed.
Officials said that the motorway’s completion would enhance regional connectivity, stimulate economic activity, and promote tourism in Malakand and surrounding areas.
The meeting also reviewed the Provincial Transmission Line Project Phase II, directing authorities to resolve bottlenecks to ensure timely completion, crucial for harnessing the province’s hydropower potential.
Participants were briefed on higher education projects, including the proposed Shaheed Arshad Sharif University of Investigative and Modern Journalism, a Livestock University, and an Engineering University under the DFC scheme.
Departments were instructed to expedite preparatory work and ensure early completion.
In addition, the meeting agreed in principle to upgrade hospitals across Malakand based on local healthcare needs. Officials also announced plans to establish designated royalty accounts to ensure funds from royalties are used directly for development in the concerned districts.
Several other infrastructure and education projects, including Rustam-Ambela Road, Barawal-Mastuj Road, Talash Bypass, Dir Cadet College, and Chitral Nursing College, were proposed for inclusion in the upcoming ADP.
Parliamentarians have been asked to submit priority development schemes for their constituencies by March 15, while follow-up meetings will begin next week to finalize planning and implementation across the region.
