Independent Report
PESHAWAR, July 18: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has given in-principle approval to construct the Dir Motorway under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, marking a major step towards improving connectivity and promoting economic development in Malakand Division.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Public-Private Partnership Committee chaired by Chief Minister Muhammad Suhail Afridi. The Chief Minister directed the authorities to immediately initiate the land acquisition process for the project and prepare a clear implementation timeline to ensure timely execution. He also instructed officials to propose amendments to the existing Public-Private Partnership framework to accelerate the implementation of development projects.
Calling the Dir Motorway a landmark project for the people of Malakand Division, Afridi said the motorway would significantly reduce travel time, fuel consumption and transportation costs while improving road safety and regional connectivity. He added that the project would boost tourism, strengthen the local economy and improve access to remote tourist destinations across the region.
During the meeting, officials briefed participants that the 29-kilometre Dir Motorway will extend from Chakdara Interchange to Baroon, Lower Dir, with an estimated cost of Rs69 billion.
The committee also reviewed progress on the Peshawar–Dera Ismail Khan Motorway and Swat Motorway Phase-II, reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to expanding modern transport infrastructure across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
