The Federal government of Pakistan has canceled 91 out of 177 ongoing development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). This move has sparked debate over the future of infrastructure and public services in the region. According to the Department of Planning and Development, completing these projects was estimated to cost PKR 1,361 billion. Many of the canceled projects were already 70% complete.
Among the shelved projects are the Swat Motorway Phase II and the Institute of Petroleum in Karak. These were crucial for enhancing transportation and energy education in the province. The Institute of Child Health in Batkhela, including a much-needed burn center, was also removed from the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP). The Sarozai Dam in Hangu faced a similar fate.
Additionally, the expansion of Tanda Dam and several other water resource projects have been dropped. One of the most controversial cancellations is the Chashma Right Bank Canal Gravity Project. This project had previously received approval from the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
The Department of Planning and Development disclosed that significant projects, such as the Engineering and Women’s University in Mardan and various road construction initiatives, are also excluded from the PSDP. The abrupt termination of these projects raises questions about the strategic direction of infrastructure development in KP and the potential socioeconomic impacts on local communities.
