The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) district body in Peshawar held a meeting to address concerns over the city’s lack of development, reflecting increasing discontent within party ranks regarding the provincial government’s performance.
The meeting was attended by PTI Peshawar President Irfan Saleem, former deputy speaker Mahmood Jan, and Member National Assembly Shandana Gulzar and others.
During the meeting, participants expressed dissatisfaction with the provincial government’s handling of civic issues and urban development in the provincial capital.
A communiqué was issued following the meeting, stating that Peshawar has long been a stronghold of PTI, yet despite being in power for a third consecutive term, the city continued to grapple with major infrastructural and civic problems.
The communiqué pointed out that several constituencies in Peshawar had been neglected in terms of development projects. The sewerage system in the city, it said, was in disarray, leading to severe flooding during rainfall.
The inefficiency of the Water and Sanitation Services Peshawar (WSSP) had deteriorated the sanitation system, while many areas lacked access to clean drinking water and adequate street lighting, it added.
The statement underlined the need for economic opportunities in Peshawar, noting that the real estate sector had collapsed and business activity had suffered. Additionally, concerns were raised over the diversion of Peshawar’s development funds to other districts. The communiqué criticised the failure to implement the Safe City Project, which was proposed in 2009, and the prolonged delay in commencing work on the Indus Hospital due to government inefficiency.
The communiqué warned that if these issues were not addressed, party members and workers may resort to protests.
In response to the concerns, raised at the meeting, Arbab Asim, the focal person for Peshawar Mega Projects, on behalf of the chief minister, stated that work was ongoing on various mega projects across Peshawar and the province. He assured that the suggestions made during the meeting would be considered and implemented whereever possible.
PTI Peshawar President Irfan Saleem, clarified to media that the meeting was held at the party level and that members had shared their grievances. “Our concerns are not just with the provincial government but also with our elected representatives. Addressing Peshawar’s issues is a necessity,” he stated, adding that development projects in the city had been delayed for the past 10 years.
Meanwhile, talking to media, Adviser to Chief Minister on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif defended the government’s performance, asserting that the chief minister was prioritising equal development across the province.
“Several mega projects are underway as per public needs. Any concerns raised will be addressed accordingly,” he assured.
